Biomass Ash Value Enhancement Project

Biomass ash is a byproduct of the energy production process at biomass power plants. It is alkaline and contains essential nutrients that plants need, making it suitable for agricultural use as a soil amendment material.

Ratch Pathana Energy Public Company Limited and its subsidiaries recognize the importance of efficient resource management by promoting the beneficial utilization of by-products from energy generation processes. The initiative aims to create added value, reduce waste, and support business operations in accordance with the principles of the Circular Economy, while generating sustainable economic, social, and environmental value.

Biomass ash is a by-product of energy generation at biomass power plants. It has alkaline properties and contains nutrients beneficial to plant growth, making it suitable for use as a soil amendment in agriculture. Biomass ash has been utilized by various agricultural groups, including bamboo growers, rice farmers, longan growers, and sugarcane farmers. In addition, biomass ash has the potential to be used as a component in construction materials, such as lightweight concrete blocks and concrete masonry blocks, subject to relevant material properties and standards.

The Company has collaborated with Maejo University and local educational institutions to conduct research and develop approaches for the beneficial utilization of biomass ash since 2013. These ongoing efforts aim to promote efficient resource utilization, enhance the value of by-products, and generate benefits for communities surrounding the Company's operations.

Biomass Ash Utilization Project 2022-2024

Year Number of users (individuals) Amount of usage (tons) Total value (THB)
2022 19 6,131 613,129
2023 33 5,846 644,221
2024 18 2,035 244,219

Benefits from the project

Social Economic Environmental
  • Reducing unemployment rates / creating additional jobs and increasing income for a total of over 60 group members, including small-scale farmers and community enterprise groups.
  • "Preserving the Value of Retirement" by promoting the production of organic fertilizer from biomass ash for retirees. The company invites healthy elderly individuals to participate in the project, with a total of 20 participants.
  • Creating added value and increasing income for farmers, totaling 244,219 THB.
  • Reducing costs from purchasing chemical fertilizers, totaling more than 100,000 THB.
  • Reducing waste and increasing the value of biomass ash, totaling 5,846 tons.
  • Reducing the use of chemicals that are harmful to soil resources, health, and the environment.
  • Improving agricultural land and enhancing soil fertility.