BBGI, SCGC, and QTC Achieve Milestone with Successful Bio-Based Transformer Oil Test

BBGI, in partnership with SCGC and QTC, has reached another milestone in their green innovation initiative, "Development and Production of Bio-Based Transformer Oil from Palm Oil." They have successfully tested this oil in real transformers, meeting international standards and ensuring safe usage, with the first deliveries made to customers in Rayong Province. The partners are now preparing to expand commercial production, aiming to reduce imports and carbon dioxide emissions, thereby supporting Thailand's BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) policy for sustainable development. The bio-based transformer oil, derived from palm oil, acts as electrical insulation and aids in heat dissipation within transformers.

The creation and manufacturing of Bio Transformer Oil from palm oil are in harmony with the government's initiatives on clean energy and the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) policies. It also supports the Thailand Oil Palm Board’s goal to increase palm oil utilization through the demand for Bio Transformer Oil in Thailand. This initiative enhances the value of palm oil products, potentially bolstering the country's primary economic crop in the future and reducing the reliance on imported transformer oils. At present, transformer manufacturers import all of their bio-transformer oil from abroad.

Mr. Kittiphong Limsuwannarot, Chief Executive Officer of BBGI Pcl., highlighted the success of the Bio Transformer Oil project, a collaborative effort between BBGI Biodiesel Co., Ltd. (BBGI BI), SCG Chemicals Pcl. (SCGC), and QTC Energy Pcl. (QTC). He remarked, “The tested Bio Transformer Oil met international standards for High Fire Point transformer oils, specifically IEC 62770, ensuring high safety in usage. Moreover, its biodegradability renders it appropriate for application in functioning transformers, marking a milestone in Rayong Province. We are now poised for commercial expansion.”

"SCGC, renowned for its expertise in green technology, used catalyst technology to convert palm oil into high-value Bio-Based Transformer Oil," emphasized Mr. Sumet Charoenchaidet, Central Research and Development Director of SCG Chemicals Pcl. (SCGC). " This progress was attained through collaborative Open Innovation, effectively leveraging the strengths of each sector involved. Our goal was to produce Bio-Based Transformer Oil from palm oil that meets global standards, such as IEC 62770, and to contribute to the bio-economy. This achievement represents a significant step for Thailand's bio-economy, enabling domestic production of Bio-Based Transformer Oil, reducing the need for imports, lowering carbon dioxide emissions, and advancing Thailand's transition towards a low-carbon society."

Mr. Poonphiphat Tantanasin, Chief Executive Officer of QTC Energy Pcl. (QTC), a manufacturer and distributor of custom transformers as well as Longi solar panels and Huawei inverters, praised the project's success by emphasizing the comparable properties of Bio-Based Transformer Oil. “This oil matches the performance of foreign competitors, with a viscosity similar to that of mineral oil, allowing for immediate substitution without the need for transformer redesign. Additionally, it boasts high dielectric breakdown voltage, flash point, and fire point, ensuring both significant safety in usage and environmental friendliness.”