March 11, 2008

CPF to add power plants in food processing facilities
 

Charoen Pokphand will be adding co-generation power plants at its food production facilities in order to reduce high-energy costs.

CPF used to pay THB 100 million (US$3.1 million) per year for electricity. But after setting up its first power plant, THB 47 million (US$1.5 million) and more than 2 million litres of bunker oil used to heat broiler units was saved.

The power plant uses low-priced gas to generate electricity, and the process produces enough steam to broil 200,000 chickens per day.

The company is conducting studies to decide whether to use natural gas or biomass to fuel the co-generation power plants, according to CPF vice-president Anurat Suthamnirun.

A power plant will cost THB 200 million (US$6.3 million), and Anurat said if the investment is beneficial, the power generation of all facilities will be modified, instead of the envisioned two or three units.