When it comes to renowned Thai energy companies, Banpu Public Company Limited, or "Banpu," stands out prominently in people's minds. For the past 40 years, Banpu has been a pioneer in developing and expanding the energy business to meet market demands, while actively contributing to national and regional economic and social development.
Overcoming numerous challenges, Banpu has grown exponentially and evolved into a fully integrated energy company, covering the entire supply chain from upstream to downstream. Today, Banpu is poised to move forward as a leading international versatile energy provider.
Banpu's three core business groups—energy resources, energy generation, and energy technology—work synergistically within the company's strong business ecosystem. This integration enables them to promote and support each other in delivering smarter energy for
sustainability. While expanding growth and aligning with future energy trends, Banpu also prioritises improving the quality of life for all individuals.
Driving Towards Sustainable Energy
Banpu places great emphasis on the principles of energy sustainability. This entails ensuring that energy is accessible with reasonable prices (Affordable), delivered reliably without interruptions (Reliable), and environmentally friendly (Eco-Friendly).
Banpu Coal Company Limited was established in 1983, initially as a subcontractor for coal mining operations in Li District, Lamphun Province. Since then, the company has forged strong business partnerships and sought out potential energy resources and industry experts. Banpu has developed products and production capabilities for various industries, including power generation, cement, petrochemicals, paper, textiles, and more. The company has also expanded its energy resources to countries with growth potential in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Indonesia, China, and Australia.
Building a Diverse Portfolio
Diversifying its energy business further, Banpu sought to add value throughout the supply chain after establishing a stable presence in the mining industry domestically and internationally. In 1996, Banpu Power (BPP) was founded to strengthen power generation and distribution. At that time, Thailand needed to expand its electricity-generating capacity to support economic growth and enhance national energy security. BPP's listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2016 marked a significant milestone, facilitating power generation growth in strategic countries within the Asia-Pacific region that exhibited high electricity demand growth rates and received government support for clear energy policies.
Banpu has focused on balancing its business portfolio, which includes thermal power utilising high-efficiency, low-emission technology (HELE), as well as renewable power sources such as solar and wind. The company has consistently nurtured growth in countries where it possesses
extensive experience in operating energy resource businesses and strong relationships with local partners.
Leading the Industry in Transformation: embracing innovation and achieving success ahead of the curve
As global climate change intensifies, Banpu has embraced the "Greener and Smarter" strategy to drive its operations. This strategy encompasses environmentally friendly business practices and the utilisation of innovative technology aligned with emerging energy trends. The company ventured into greener business activities with the establishment of a natural gas business in the United States, serving as a bridge during the business transition under the Greener & Smarter strategy. Banpu also seeks investment opportunities in greener energy businesses to ensure balance and sustainability within its portfolio.
Pioneering a Sustainable Future through Banpu NEXT: leading the way in green innovation
In 2020, Banpu introduced its flagship company, Banpu NEXT, a pivotal addition that brought cohesion to its business ecosystem. This strategic move played a vital role in driving a greener and smarter portfolio. Banpu NEXT is committed to developing energy solutions that align with future trends and cater to the lifestyles of new generations. By advancing five key areas—renewable energy, energy storage, energy trading, e-mobility, and smart city development—Banpu NEXT leverages digital platforms to collect and analyse data, creating innovative products and services tailored to customer needs. Moreover, Banpu actively invests in new S-curve businesses both within and beyond the energy sector, fostering competitiveness and enhancing value for stakeholders while enriching lives.
Embracing Change to Gain a Competitive Edge
As a leading international versatile energy provider, Banpu maintains its strength by strategically transforming in the digital era. This triple transformation encompasses three aspects: business, technology, and people. Business transformation focuses on increasing the share of greener and smarter energy within the portfolio, with Banpu NEXT leading the charge.
Technology transformation is facilitated by the establishment of a dedicated Digital and Innovation (D&I) Department, driving digital transformation and bolstering the organisation's IT infrastructure. This enhances digital capabilities and nurtures employees' potential in technology. People transformation prioritises development and advancement, facilitated through the Banpu Academy, fostering a culture of limitless learning within the organisation and equipping employees with the readiness to embrace new challenges. These changes confer competitive advantages and enable Banpu to navigate the rapid changes within highly dynamic industries such as energy.
Becoming an Internationally Recognised Thai Company
With a robust foundation in its three core business groups, Banpu is poised for international expansion. Currently operating in nine countries—Thailand, Indonesia, China, Australia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Japan, the United States, and Vietnam—Banpu possesses comprehensive market knowledge and a skilled workforce. These factors have contributed to the success of its overseas investments. From its humble beginnings with fewer than a hundred employees, Banpu has grown into a Thai company with approximately 600 employees at its Thailand headquarters and nearly 6,000 employees stationed abroad. Additionally, Banpu upholds good corporate citizenship, conducting business ethically and transparently. The company fosters understanding and cooperation with surrounding communities, supporting various social activities and addressing local needs, acting as a trusted "good neighbour."
Mrs. Somruedee Chaimongkol, Chief Executive Officer of Banpu Public Company Limited, expressed, "Over the past 40 years, Banpu has remained committed to ethical and sustainable business practices that were instilled and passed down by Mr. Chanin Vongkusolkit, one of the founders and the first Chief Executive Officer of Banpu. Our business credo states that an industry can only thrive when developed hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility. With the acceleration of Banpu's transformation under the Greener & Smarter strategy and our readiness to navigate changes through the antifragile principle, we are confident in maintaining our strength regardless of the crises we face. With our unwavering
commitment to 'Our Way in Energy,' Banpu is poised to create global energy stability and contribute to a better quality of life for people today and in the future."
Throughout the past four decades of robust and consistent business growth, Banpu has cultivated an exceptional business ecosystem that seamlessly connects its core businesses, fostering synergistic power and yielding optimal investment results while mitigating risks and ensuring sustainability. Banpu's strength is further bolstered by its unique corporate culture, known as "Banpu Heart," which unites employees across all countries toward a shared objective. These factors have empowered Banpu to provide smarter energy solutions for sustainability. As a leading international versatile energy provider, Banpu is dedicated to building sustainable value for all stakeholders and championing a better
