Banpu Next Co, the energy technology arm of Banpu Plc, is helping its parent company move closer to its clean energy goal with the debut of an electric boat for use in the tourism sector.
The move aims to promote boats with zero emissions, in line with sustainable tourism trends, as well as translate Banpu's Smart Energy for Sustainability campaign into action.
The campaign launched a new five-year business plan starting in 2021 to push ahead with more clean energy projects, including electric vehicle (EV) development, in response to the government's efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
In November, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha pledged during the UN conference on climate change that Thailand would achieve carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption, by 2050, and a net-zero balance between greenhouse gas emissions and absorption by 2065.
The new tourist boat, named "Banpu Next e-Boat", has a 100% battery-powered engine with an odourless and noiseless propulsion system, said Banpu Group chief executive Somruedee Chaimongkol.
The boat is priced at 5.5 million baht.
Mrs Somruedee said the Banpu Next e-Boat, which is 8.36 metres long and 3.6 metres wide, can help boat operators save up to 85% in energy costs.
Maintenance costs can also be reduced, making the electric boat a cost-effective long-term investment.
Tourism boat services usually transport people in small, oil-powered vessels sized similarly to the electric boat.
These boats must negotiate with soaring global oil prices and often belch lots of air pollutants.
Last year Banpu Next teamed up with local startup Urban Mobility Technology to launch the Haup app for EV ride-sharing.
Banpu Next also launched the MovMi app for electric tuk-tuks in 2019. Its plan to expand the three-wheeled vehicle service was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.