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Published on August 7, 2007

"This is the latest innovation in the oil business and represents another step forward in alternative-energy development, following PTT's pioneering introduction of gasohol and natural gas for vehicles," said president Prasert Bunsumpun.

The PTT station has been generating and using electricity from its solar-cell generating unit since May 26. Its generating system is linked to the transmission network of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), so that during periods of excess capacity, it can sell the surplus to the MEA.

Energy Business Department director-general Metta Banturngsuk and MEA assistant governor Suchat Singyou attended the official opening yesterday of what is regarded as an effective pilot project on efficient management of alternative-energy resources.

The station has 243 1.55-square-metre monocrystalline-silicon solar-cell plates on the roof of its dispenser island. Each plate generates 180 watts of electricity, giving the array a total generating capacity of 43.74 kilowatts. The power is used for the fuel dispensers and surrounding area, as well as for the station's lighting.

Prasert said the solar-cell sheets installed on the station have a useful life of 20 years.

He said the benefits from just one pilot solar-cell-powered petrol station could be measured immediately. The reduction in power demand saves about 15,000 litres of fossil fuel a year and reduces the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by as much as 33,726 kilograms per year.