Bangkok: BANPU, a prominent energy company, is setting its sights on expanding operations in the United States as a result of policies introduced by US President Donald Trump. The company anticipates improved performance in the latter half of the year, following a first-half revenue report of 84 billion baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sinin Vongkusolkit, Chief Executive Officer of Banpu Public Company Limited, has expressed optimism regarding the investment climate in the United States under Trump's administration. The current US tax incentive policy, which encourages domestic investment, has paved the way for increased opportunities, particularly in the sectors of natural gas, data centers, and technology-driven energy demands. Banpu plans to explore investments in gas-fired power plants, nuclear facilities, and large-scale energy storage systems in the US. However, renewable energy sectors such as wind farms and electric vehicles may not see substantial policy backing.
In the first half of 2025, Banpu reported a total sales revenue of US$2.521 billion, equivalent to approximately 84.543 billion baht. The company also noted earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation (EBITDA) of US$571 million, approximately 19.144 billion baht, alongside a net loss of US$42.76 million, or about 1.428 billion baht. This financial loss is attributed to the appreciation of the baht against the US dollar, a factor that has yet to affect the company's cash flow and operational stability. Banpu projects its EBITDA for 2025 to range between US$1.200 and US$1.500 billion.
Despite the challenges, Banpu expects a rebound in its performance during the year's second half, aided by strategic cost reductions. While coal prices remain volatile, natural gas prices are somewhat controlled, with fixed pricing at approximately 60-70%. Banpu's primary revenue streams originate from its coal mines located in Indonesia, Australia, and Mongolia.
Banpu's natural gas operations include investments in the East Texas project, with a carbon storage capacity of about 70,000 tons per year, slated for commercial operation in early 2027. The company has also acquired Bedrock Production, LLC, which holds natural gas and midstream assets in Texas's Barnett field. Post-acquisition, BKV's total production capacity is expected to rise from 108 million cubic feet per day, with an increase in its 1P natural gas reserves by approximately 1 million cubic feet per day. Additionally, under the management of "Banpu NEXT," the company operates power plants, renewable energy projects, and energy technology and storage systems with a combined installed production capacity exceeding 1,130 megawatt hours (MWh), based on its investment proportion.