Recently, the TPIPP 150MW RDF Waste-to-Energy Power Plant Project in Thailand—executed under EPC contract by China National Electric Engineering Co., Ltd. (CNEEC), a subsidiary of China Machinery Engineering Group Corporation (CMEC Group)—achieved a major breakthrough: the world’s first circulating fluidized bed (CFB) waste incineration boiler operating at 540°C and 15.4 MPa, integrated with an innovative external bed heat exchange system and primary reheat technology, successfully completed a 72-hour full-load trial operation.

During the trial run, the boiler operated stably, with all performance indicators fully meeting the design requirements. Emissions were significantly lower than Thai national standards and the EU’s Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU, marking a world-class milestone for CMEC Group in the development of high-parameter, low-emission waste-to-energy technologies.

This successful trial represents the cutting edge of global waste incineration power generation. By surpassing the traditional technological ceiling of 400°C and 4 MPa typically seen in conventional waste-to-energy plants, the boiler’s use of 540°C ultra-high temperature and 15.4 MPa pressure, combined with primary steam reheat and the newly configured external bed heat exchanger, delivers a 50% increase in energy conversion efficiency. Each boiler is capable of processing up to 2,000 tons of waste per day, making it the most powerful waste incineration boiler in the world—and the first of its kind to be commissioned. The project includes three of these advanced units.

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to deliver significant environmental, energy, and economic benefits. It will process over 1.8 million tons of waste annually, equivalent to reducing standard coal consumption by 360,000 tons and cutting carbon emissions by 860,000 tons per year—contributing meaningfully to environmental protection in Thailand and beyond. On the energy front, it will supply over 1 billion kWh of clean electricity annually, enough to meet the yearly power needs of approximately 300,000 households, thus alleviating regional energy supply pressures. Economically, the plant will enable the project owner to phase out highly polluting coal-fired boilers, substantially lower fuel costs, enhance environmental reputation, and realize a green transformation.

Throughout the project execution, the CNEEC project team overcame numerous challenges, including limited site space, constrained construction conditions, highly variable waste fuel composition, and a compressed project timeline. By leveraging meticulous project management and continuous technical innovation, the team ensured that the world’s first high-parameter waste incineration boiler passed its stringent 72-hour performance test on the first attempt—earning high praise from the project owner.

Currently, the team is mobilizing its full resources to accelerate the installation and commissioning of the remaining two boilers, aiming to achieve full plant commissioning in the second half of this year. Once operational, this world-leading green energy facility will operate at full capacity—not only delivering reliable clean electricity to Thailand, but also setting a global benchmark for the circular economy and contributing Chinese solutions and expertise to sustainable development worldwide.