Banpu Moves Forward on Renewable Energy Officially Launches Banpu Power (Japan) Tokyo Branch Aims to Generate Over 400 MW from Solar Power Plant Projects in Japan Reemphasizes its Greener & Smarter strategy for sustainable growth
Group Photo: (From left)
Mr. Voravudhi Linananda, Board of Director and Advisor of Banpu Power Public Company Limited,
Mr. Sutee Sukruan, Chief Executive Officer of Banpu Power Public Company Limited,
Ms. Somruedee Chaimongkol, Chief Executive Officer of Banpu Public Company Limited,
Mr. Bansarn Bunnag, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Japan, and his wife, Ms. Yupadee Bunnag,
Mr. Wataru Shima, Chief Executive Officer of Banpu Power (Japan) Tokyo branch,
Mr. Kiyoshi Yoshimitsu, Executive Advisor of Banpu Power (Japan) Tokyo branch and
Mr. Toshihide Kubo, Executive Advisor of Banpu Power (Japan) Tokyo branch
Tokyo, Japan, 6 December 2018 – Banpu Public Company Limited (BANPU) a leading integrated energy solutions company in Asia-Pacific, officially announced a major milestone, the opening of Banpu Power (Japan) Tokyo branch or BPPJP during an event held at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo. Mr. Bansarn Bunnag, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Japan and his spouse witnessed the opening ceremony. Banpu Group also used the occasion to celebrate the commercial operation of its latest solar power plant, the Nari Aizu solar power plant in Fukushima, Japan.
Banpu Power (Japan) Tokyo branch or BPPJP places an emphasis on renewable energy solutions in accordance with Greener & Smarter strategy for Banpu Group’s business. BPPJP is focusing on the continuation of solar power plant projects development and is aiming to reach a total equity-based power generation capacity of over 400 MW in the near future. This is in line with Japan’s government energy policy which aims to increase the proportion of renewable energy in the country. It also responds to Banpu Group’s target of reaching a total equity-based power generation capacity of 4,300 MWe, of which a minimum of 20 percent will be renewables-based by the end of 2025.
Ms. Somruedee Chaimongkol, Chief Executive Office, Banpu Public Company Limited said: “The official launch of Banpu Power (Japan) Tokyo branch or BPPJP, which is under Banpu Power, marks another achievement for Banpu. This is another stepping stone since our first business partnership in Japan 20 years ago and follows on from the first solar power plant, which commenced operations in 2015. We are now generating a total of equity-based power generation capacity of 233.57 MW from projects in the pipeline, both from those already in operation and those that are still in the development process. We are also delighted that our latest Nari Aizu solar power plant in Fukushima, with a total of equity-based power generation capacity of 15.35 MW, finally began its commercial operations a couple of days ago.
Banpu Group is ready to create sustainable growth in Japan through strong collaboration with key stakeholders, namely the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI), Electric Utilities in Japan, local government departments, local financial institutions, energy companies, local business partners and the communities in which we operate. We have ambitions for further sustainable growth in Japan. Through Banpu Power, Banpu Infinergy and Banpu Innovation & Ventures, our group intends to develop innovations and solutions of smart energy, smart city and technology with business partners here, in line with our business strategy: Greener & Smarter.”
Banpu Power (Japan) Tokyo branch under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Wataru Shima is now in operation. The company focuses on developing and investing in solar power plant projects in Japan. There are 13 solar power plant projects in the pipeline, of which five are already in operation – Mukawa, Olympia, Awaji, Hino and Nari Aizu. Other two projects are under construction while six projects have been secured and are now in the development process. It is expected that 233.57 MW power capacity will be generated from this investment and the target is to increase the total power capacity generation to more than 400 MW.
“Japan is another strategic country for Banpu Group, both in terms of renewable operating hub and strong business partnerships, and this will help us achieve the Company’s goal of creating a sustainable energy solution through technological and innovation development. Banpu Group is ready to serve global trends for clean energy solutions. We are also searching for business opportunities that create meaningful solutions, meeting the need of our customers and offering sustainable value to all stakeholders, communities and society in line with our new brand promise: Our Way in Energy,” Ms. Somruedee said.
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About BANPU
Banpu Public Company Limited is a leading integrated energy solutions company with coal, power and renewable energy business in 10 countries: Thailand, Indonesia, China, Australia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Singapore, Japan, the United States of America and Vietnam. As of 30thSeptember 2018, Banpu’s assets totaled USD 8.492 billion, an increase of USD 269 million compared to 31st December 2017.
