Bangchak Corporation Public (BCP) is testing a solar-powered microgrid with enough power to meet the typical energy needs of an average BCP fuel station. Surplus energy will be stored and distributed to tenants of a nearby community shopping mall, who can bid for PV electricity using a mobile app.
The Green Community Energy Management System (GEMS) combines 280.9 kW of commercial rooftop and canopy solar photovoltaics with over 1000 kWh of battery energy storage capacity (a mix of 913 kWh of lithium-ion, nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide, and 92 kWh of lithium-iron-phosphate).
The microgrid is isolated from Bangkok’s main utility grid but is capable of operating in tandem with it. Microgrid customers will use utility power when there is insufficient solar energy in the system, or if the GEMS energy price is not competitive. A spokesperson suggested that the cost of surplus PV electricity from the microgrid may be as low as $0.129/kWh, comparable to off-peak utility prices of $0.14kWh. Traceability is ensured through the use of the Ethereum blockchain.
The Thai government has been researching distributed renewable energy and microgrid systems, with the Ministry of Energy reportedly interested in creating a national energy trading platform. Benefits of solar PV microgrids include the reduction of carbon emissions and air pollution, lower energy bills for customers, and enhanced energy security and resilience. Microgrids can supply power to homes and businesses if the main grid goes out, and surplus power can be fed back into the grid.
The Thai government is also supporting blockchain initiatives, including blockchain technology for elections voting created by the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center that is expected to be rolled out after the implementation of 5G, and the use of tokenized securities, including tokenized stocks and bonds.
If the trial is successful, BCP may apply GEMS to its entire network of fuel stations across Thailand as energy storage system costs continue to fall.