BANPU is poised to expand into LNG trading, leveraging its US gas base to capitalize on surging global demand and capitalize on opportunities for long-term growth.

BANPU reveals it is studying the LNG trading business and expects to partner with investors. It will continue to expand its natural gas production base in Texas under the BKV umbrella, and broaden its gas-to-electricity and CCUS platforms to create sustainable cash flow.

On September 15, 2569, Mr. Sinon Vongkusolkit, Chief Executive Officer of Banpu Public Company Limited (BANPU), revealed that with the current increase in LNG prices due to the conflict in the Middle East affecting supply, coupled with very high demand for LNG, Banpu sees an opportunity in its large natural gas production base in the United States to engage in the business of managing and trading liquefied natural gas (LNG Trading) to sell to regions with high demand.

Currently, the company has a large, low-cost upstream natural gas production facility in Texas, USA, under the operation of BKV, with a production capacity of up to 1 Bcf/e (one billion cubic feet equivalent) per day. A key advantage is its connectivity to the US Gulf Coast, a major hub for LNG production and export in the United States.

Currently, we are studying the LNG trading business, which may require investment from partners. We intend to implement this as soon as possible, initially focusing on production in the United States, with trading to follow.

Regarding the long-term outlook for LNG prices, it is estimated that prices will fluctuate according to market mechanisms of supply and demand. In the long term, LNG prices are expected to remain stable at an average level of approximately US$8–12, while short-term fluctuations may still occur depending on global market conditions.

Mr. Sinon said that amidst the continuously increasing global energy demand, the economic and industrial sectors require more stable and resilient energy, coupled with solutions that can effectively manage greenhouse gas emissions. BKV's natural gas business integration strategy addresses these needs by offering energy solutions such as Carbon-Sequestered Gas (CSG), which is carbon-neutral natural gas, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3, through the use of carbon capture and storage technologies. This natural gas-to-electricity platform is built on a strong foundation of upstream resources such as natural gas, high-quality reserves, and efficient cost management, which enhances its capabilities in electricity generation and CCUS (Carbon-Sequestered Gas Management).

However, Banpu is confident that these strengths will enable our platform to respond to changing market demands, generate sustainable cash flow, and create long-term value.

Beyond its integrated natural gas business in the US, Banpu is expanding its integrated energy platform, encompassing complementary energy resources, power generation, and future energy technologies. This aims to address the demands for energy security, availability, and carbon reduction. The Next-Gen Mining business supports energy access and develops strategic minerals for batteries, energy storage, and future infrastructure, strengthening the supply chain for key industries.

Meanwhile, the Power+ business group delivers comprehensive and resilient power solutions to help address power availability challenges, which are becoming a major issue driven by increasing energy demand.

In addition, the Future Tech business unit delivers Net Zero Solutions for reliable and cost-effective energy access, while also helping to reduce carbon emissions. This is coupled with strategic investments through its Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) unit in AI and future energy technologies that have the potential to drive next-generation energy solutions.

“Our integrated natural gas business in the US is a key driver of Banpu Group’s growth. The platform, which connects upstream natural gas sources, power generation, and carbon reduction technologies, enables Banpu to drive both business growth and energy transition, while opening opportunities to expand its natural gas business and enhance its long-term competitiveness,” Mr. Sinon said.

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