Lukaku returns to Chelsea, vows to live up to record transfer fee
Romlu Lukaku vows to live up to 97.5-million pounds transfer fee at Stamford Bridge.
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has vowed to replay the 97.5-million pounds (134 million US dollar) transfer fee, which has made him the club-record signing for Chelsea.
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Lukaku returns to the club he played for between 2011 and 2014 after leading Inter Milan to the Serie A title and will take the No. 9 shirt vacated by Tammy Abraham’s move to Roma.
“The dream is a reality, so now I have to prove myself on the pitch,” Lukaku said in his official presentation.
“Now I’m here, it’s time to get to work and let my performances do the talking. This is a dressing room with personality and I am glad to be back. As a footballer, you fight to achieve your dreams. I am here now and I can’t wait to be on the pitch and perform with my teammates,” he said.
The forward could make his first appearance of his second stage at the club at home against Arsenal and believes that playing for Inter Milan, after also being at Everton and Manchester United in the Premier League, has added an extra dimension to his game.
“The spaces are tighter (in Italy), it’s more technical and tactical, and that helped me a lot. The English game is different, but for me, it’s not something new. I think I’ve learned much more about myself, setting higher standards.”
Lukaku also praised Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, saying, “he is a great captain. When I was in quarantine (after arriving in the UK), he was already messaging me and helping me to find a house.”
“He is a leader and there are many other players with a big personality in the dressing room. I am a player that likes to connect with people and make them feel comfortable to give them confidence. The players we have are worth it and they showed that last season,” said the striker, who believes Chelsea’s Champions League success last season shows they can challenge for the Premier League this time around.
Serie A giants Juventus have finally wrapped up Manuel Locatellis transfer on Wednesday, as the Italian international joined the Bianconeri from Sassuolo on a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Having come through the youth academy of AC Milan, Locatelli established himself as a gigantic presence at Mapei Stadium after moving to Sassuolo. In Azzurri’s triumphant Euro 2020 campaign this summer, the midfielder also provided an outstanding performance, as he bagged a brace in Italy’s 3-0 group victory over Switzerland.
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The negotiations between Juve and Sassuolo have been dragging on for months. It was reported Arsenal had a high offer, but the player only set his heart on the Old Lady.
According to Juve, an agreement with Sassuolo for the free temporary acquisition, until June 30, 2023, of the registration rights of Locatelli has been finalized.
“The agreement entails the obligation for Juventus to definitely acquire the player’s registrations rights, subject to the achievement of certain given sporting objectives by the end of the season 2022-23. The agreed consideration for the definitive acquisition is 25 million euros, payable in three years,” read a statement.
“Furthermore, a maximum of 12.5 million of cumulative bonuses are envisaged upon achievement of further sporting performance objectives,” it added.
Feed your Passions with a Gastronomic Feastat Singapore Food Festival 2021
Singapore Food Festival (SFF), one of the most highly-anticipated events on every foodie’s calendar, returns for its 28th edition over three weekends from 27 August to 12 September 2021
The Singapore Food Festival (SFF), one of the most highly-anticipated events on every foodie’s calendar, returns for its 28th edition over three weekends from 27 August to 12 September 2021 with the theme ‘Savour Singapore In Every Bite’. The only festival in Singapore dedicated to local cuisine and F&B talent, it continues to innovate, bringing foodies more than50 gastronomic and drinking experiences on a hybrid platform. This is double the number compared to last year’s virtual edition.
An exciting breadth of live masterclasses, both free-to-view and paid, will bring international audiences up close and personal with some of the most well-known chefs in Singapore’s culinary scene. Foodies can also work up an appetite through curated walking tours to indulge in stories of culinary heritage and invention; peel back the layers to uncover new flavours through recipe videos and exclusive food bundles, and explore Singapore through virtual experiences and docu-features.
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SFF 2021 is a highlight of SingapoReimagine, a campaign that invites travellers to experience new possibilities that redefine what Singapore has to offer. In line with SingapoReimagine, SFF spotlights our diverse culinary culture and the people who keep it alive, by offering global foodies the opportunity to reignite passions and experience travel anew through our hybrid offerings.
Ms Serene Tan, Director of Retail and Dining, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said: “True to its proud tradition, Singapore Food Festival 2021 showcases our vibrant culinary culture byspotlighting our people – from established and rising chefs to everyday culinary heroes, wine experts and mixologists. This year, we are excited to bring SFF to global audiences, inviting them to indulge in Singaporean cuisine and learn more about our multi-cultural heritage through food. More than ever, SFF is testament to the innovation in Singapore’s culinary scene and our reputation as a global culinary capital.”
Programme highlights
This year’s festival line up comprises four components: Live Masterclasses, Virtual Food Experiences, Partner Events and Workshops, and SFF food merchandise.
The Live Masterclassesoffer viewers the rare opportunity to learn from some of the best chefs, bartenders, and food personalities in Singapore’s culinary scene. Festival-goerscan join thenine free-to-view live masterclasses hosted on SFF 2021’s Facebook page or sign up for intimate and interactive sessions with renowned chefs by joining another ninepay-to-viewlive masterclass. The thrilling line-up of features top names in the F&B scene in Singapore and around Asia, including:
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• MasterChef Singapore 2018 judge Bjorn Shen of Artichoke and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef JP Anglo of Sarsafrom the Philippines, who will be presenting a four-hands collaboration with their rendition of anoyster omelette;
• Chef Lim Hoe Gern of Laut and celebrity chef ThitidTassanakajohn, the creative mastermind behind Thailand’s one-Michelin star Le Du with their four-hands collaboration dish – the umami laden Prawn Raja;
Special Menu “”River Prawn”
• HawkerpreneurDouglas Ng of the Fishball Story will reveal the secrets behind his handmade traditional Hakka yong tau fu (traditional Hakka dish consisting primarily of tofu filled with ground meat mixture or fish paste);
• Chef Jeremy Gillon of one Michelin-starred restaurant JAG will demonstrate the process of making tender ravioli from scratch (pictured right);
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• Chef Maxine Ngooi of Tigerlily Patisserie will bring a twist to the babka loaf, with a stuffing of aromatic buahkeluakrempah (spice blend of the seeds of the buahkeluak fruit);
• Pastry expert Mohammed
Al-Matin of Le Matin Patisserie will present a unique goreng pisang(banana fritter) dessert.
Selected masterclasses will also offer ingredient boxes and food bundles that participants can purchase and get delivered to their doorstep in Bangkok, Chengdu, Manila and Singapore, allowing them to cook up a storm with their favourite food talent on screen for a truly engaging experience.
As part of SFF, there will also be Virtual Food Experiences in interactive formats for international festivalgoers. Take a deep dive into the ins-and-outs of innovative businesses such as Kok Fah Farm through a docu-feature, which takes foodies on a tour around the soil and hydroponics farm, and recipe videos like Kitchen Insider: Sustenir, which educate foodies on modern farming in Singapore, suggesting ways to incorporate local produce into everyday dishes, supercharging it with nutrition. Additionally, foodies can look forward to a journey of rediscovery as they feast their eyes on delectable dishes in the virtual food tours of Little India and Tiong Bahru presented by popular food host, Nikki Muller.
Virtual Food Experiences with Nikki Muller.
Some of these virtual tours will also be presented in physical formats as part of Partner Events held across the island. Foodies who love exploring can rediscover the rich culinary heritage ingrained in our land and immerse in idyllic foodie experiences through curated walking tours. Learn more about the colourful spices that go into Indian dishes at the Heritage Tour of Little India, or embark on the Kim Guan Guan Factory Tour, to uncover the history and heritage behind the brewing and roasting of one of Singapore’s oldest kopi (coffee) suppliers. Check out the Singapore Vegan Festival too, for local vegan food tours, talks and panel discussions featuring local and international expert speakers. Indulge in limited period plant-based menus across leading vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants in Singapore, curated for vegans, the intrigued and just about everybody else. Secret Suppers await those who are game, with secret menus by restaurants around Singapore from Little India and Joo Chiat, to Chinatown and Kampong Gelam.
MOIC Cocktail and Ice Cream Pairing Workshop: Sips and Scoops
MOIC Cocktail and Ice Cream Pairing Workshop: Sips and Scoops
For a hands-on experience, SFF workshops are also available islandwide. Peel back the layers of kueh-making and try your hand at making the traditional red turtle cake Nyonya-styleat the Make your own Ang Ku Kueh Workshop by Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh, held at CapitaLand BugisTown (Part of Bugis Street). Repurpose food waste at the Summer Fruit Peel Popsicle and Jam Class and learn more about food upcycling when you join theWellSpentWorkshop – both at SunriceAcademy. For cocktail lovers, Museum of Ice Cream’s MOIC Cocktail and Ice Cream Pairing Workshop: Sips and Scoops will take you on a sweet journey to mix your on Hendrick’s Gin and ice cream cocktails.
Foodies will also be treated to SFF Food Merchandise. Local small-batch granola brand, Nommish has partnered with Kim Guan Guan to present Kopi Granola and their own rendition of Milo Granola – the Malted Chocolate Granola. Home of Singaporean inspired cookies, Old Seng Choong has developed Nyonya Sambal Nasi Lemak Cookies(pictured left), which is a unique rendition of the well-loved classic local dish. Paying tribute to the iconic pandan flavour that Singaporeans love, the LiHO TEA’s Singa-Pandan Lime and Singa-Pandan Shake, will be available in LiHO stores in Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, and Shanghai.
Supporting SFF 2021
Festivalgoers can check out www.singaporefoodfestival.sg for a full list of activities. More details of SFF activities including the full programme, dates, images, and prices, can be found in the SFF 2021 Fact Sheet via this link.
We are taking you to see how an Asiatic golden cat, which was trapped in a snare, was rescued by third patrol officers of Kaeng Krung National Park in Surat Thani province, during a patrol mission.
Asiatic golden cats are a gravely endangered species, as their bones and skins are sold by traffickers.
In Thailand, there is a stiff penalty for offences under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act of 2019. Offences against reserved animals are punishable by three to 15 years of imprisonment, or a fine of THB300,000 to THB1,500,000, or both. For possession of protected wildlife and carcasses of wildlife, imprisonment is for not more than five years, or a fine of not more than THB500,000, or both.
Asia Album: Take a trip to historic city of Ayutthaya in Thailand
The historic city of Ayutthaya, located in Thailands central Ayutthaya Province, is one of the World Heritage Sites with a long history and cultural heritage, which is the inheritance and continuation of Thailands civilization.
Photo taken on Aug. 17, 2021, shows the historic city of Ayutthaya in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Photo taken on Aug. 17, 2021, shows the historic city of Ayutthaya in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
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Photo taken on Aug. 17, 2021, shows the historic city of Ayutthaya in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Photo taken on Aug. 17, 2021, shows the historic city of Ayutthaya in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Photo taken on Aug. 17, 2021, shows the historic city of Ayutthaya in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Photo taken on Aug. 17, 2021, shows the historic city of Ayutthaya in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Deaths from Covid over 100 times higher among unvaccinated patients
Deaths linked to Covid-19 among unvaccinated patients were over 100 times higher compared to those who have been inoculated, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said.
DDC deputy director-general Dr Sophon Iamsirithavorn said on Friday that from July 25 to August 19, 63.8 per cent of total Covid-19 deaths — 2,969 people — were those who had not been vaccinated against Covid-19.
“Only 26 deaths, or 0.6 per cent of total fatalities, were patients who had got two vaccine doses, which are significantly lower,” he said.
“Vaccine greatly helps reduce the chance of severe symptoms and deaths, but they can still occur in elderly patients and those with underlying health problems,” he added.
“Currently about 63 per cent of elderly persons in 13 ‘dark red’ provinces have been given at least one vaccine dose. The Public Health Ministry aims to achieve at least 70 per cent vaccination rate in this particular group by the end of August.”
The DDC reported on Friday that as of August 19, 25,818,666 doses of vaccine had been administered in Thailand. Some 19.5 million people have received their first jab, or 27.2 per cent of total population, while some 5.7 million people have received their second jab, or 7.9 per cent of total population.
About 527,000 people have received the third jab as a booster shot to improve their immunity, mostly among frontline medical professionals.
Of the vaccines being provided in Thailand, about 12.09 million doses were Sinovac, 10.8 million were AstraZeneca, 2.3 million were Sinopharm and 483,237 were Pfizer.
Thailand recorded 20,571 Covid-19 cases and 261 deaths on Saturday
Ministry of Public Health reported on Saturday (August 21) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 20,571 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 235 of whom have been found in prisons.
Death toll increased by 261, while 23,159 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.
Cumulative cases in the country are at 1,030,218 with 9,087 total deaths.
Thundershowers forecast for all regions, isolated heavy rains in lower South
The weak southwest monsoon prevails across the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, bringing thundershowers to parts of the country, the Thailand Meteorological Department said on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the low-pressure cell over the coast of Malaysia Malacca strait will bring isolated heavy rains to the lower South.
The tropical storm “Omais” over the Pacific Ocean is expected to move towards Taiwan with no effects on Thailand, the department said.
The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:
North: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 23-25 degrees Celsius, highs of 30-36°C.
Northeast: Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-25°C, highs of 34-35°C.
Central: Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 23-26°C, highs of 35-36°C.
East: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 25-27°C, highs of 33-36°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.
South (east coast): Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 24-25°C, highs of 31-35°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.
South (west coast): Thundershowers in 70 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 21-25°C, highs of 31-33°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.
Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 26-27°C, highs of 34-35°C.
Asia’s fashion spotlight CENTRESTAGE returns next month
Designers and brands take innovative approach amid pandemic Annual event opens to public visitors for the first time
CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s premier fashion event, returns in September for its sixth edition, running in a physical format from 10 to 12 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the show features more than 200 brands from over 20 countries and regions and close to 30 fashion events, offering an ideal platform through which brands and designers can showcase their creativity in the fashion arena and demonstrate their resilience in overcoming the recent challenges. For the first time, the show will open to public visitors for the entire duration of the event.
HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said: “Last year’s CENTRESTAGE was held virtually, but I am delighted that the event has been able to overcome limitations resulting from the pandemic and return in the physical format in 2021, helping to showcase more fashion brands and budding designers from Asia and across the globe. The show provides a comprehensive promotional platform through which fashion talents can present their latest collections and connect with global buyers and fashionistas. This year’s CENTRESTAGE is particularly meaningful as designers have gone through so many challenges as a result of the pandemic. They are facing up to the new environment with fresh ideas and a spark of innovation in their creations.”
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Asia’s fashion spotlight CENTRESTAGE returns next month
Overcoming pandemic challenges, fostering industry interaction
CENTRESTAGE 2021 will have “Chapter Infinity” as its central theme, encouraging those in the fashion industry to take creative approaches and reignite their inspiration in the pandemic era, exploring the countless opportunities that lie ahead. The event will feature three thematic zones: ALLURE – representing craftsmanship, refinement and elegance; ICONIC – displaying avant-garde designs; and METRO – showcasing contemporary, minimalistic expressions of urban life. This year’s event will feature over 200 fashion brands, including more than 120 brands from Hong Kong. Although travel restrictions remain in effect between Hong Kong and the rest of the world, some brands and industry organisations outside Hong Kong will send local representatives to participate in the event, including the Taiwan Textile Federation, Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center, Italian fashion promotion organisation Ente Moda Italia (EMI) and new joiner Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Amalty from Kazakhstan.
Asia’s fashion spotlight CENTRESTAGE returns next month
In addition, overseas buyers that have been invited to conduct video business meetings with exhibitors include 3NY from the United States, Germany’s Encode Fashion, Thailand’s Bluepin and Vietnam’s Runway. Local fashion buyers such as Club 21, D-mop, Harvey Nichols, I.T, Lane Crawford and online fashion store Farfetch have also been invited.
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CENTRESTAGE ELITES show boosted by XR, artiste Hins Cheung gives support
The spotlight opening gala show on 10 September, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, will see the global launch of the latest 2022 Spring/Summer collections from local designers Calvin Chan and Joyce Kun’s renowned brand The World Is Your Oyster, as well as acclaimed Korean designer Lee Mooyeol’s brand, YOUSER. Lee Mooyeol won’t be able to come to Hong Kong himself, but he is actively involved in the show’s production. Celebrity singer and fashionista Hins Cheung will attend the event, which will use extended reality (XR) for added impact, and give his support to the designers. The show will be livestreamed through the CENTRESTAGE website and social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, employing augmented reality (AR) effects to enhance the online viewing experience.
Asia’s fashion spotlight CENTRESTAGE returns next month
Wide array of fashion shows presented by local design talents
The HKTDC has organised a series of activities around the world. With profound experience gained through international fashion weeks, a number of local designers will present their latest collections at Hong Kong Emerging Talents Show on 10 September and Fashion Go Places on 11 September.
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Another highlight of this year’s CENTRESTAGE will be the final of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2021 (YDC) held on 12 September. The VIP judges will be Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh, founders of menswear label BOTTER. The 10 shortlisted candidates will compete for four honours, including overall champion, the Excellence Award, Best Visual Presentation Award and My Favourite Collection Award. Members of the public can vote for their favourite collection online and stand the chance to win one of seven HK$2,000 Lee Gardens Area e-gift certificates sponsored by Hysan Development.
Local online fashion hub FASHIONALLY.com will feature its FASHIONALLY Collection #17 fashion show on 10 September, presenting rising local fashion designers and labels. Other Hong Kong brands will combine a fashion short film with an onsite performance at FASHIONALLY Presentations on 10 September and 11 September, providing a creative showcase for their 2022 Spring/Summer collections.
Asia’s fashion spotlight CENTRESTAGE returns next month
Fashion Summit (Hong Kong) 2021, an international forum focused on sustainable development in the fashion industry, will take place on 9 and 10 September with the theme “Design for the Future”. Redress, a local non-governmental organisation promoting sustainable fashion, will present the Grand Final of the Redress Design Award 2021, the world’s largest sustainable fashion design competition, on 11 September. Local fashion brands Sparkle by Karen Chan and The Sparkle Collection will launch their new collections at CENTRESTAGE. Well-known key opinion leader Lilian Kan will also showcase her designs at the fair for the first time. Other events include the Hong Kong Kids Fashion Show and “LEGO x Hong Kong Designers Parade” on 12 September, while the “Watch x Fashion” Lucky Draw Session will take place on the weekend of 11-12 September.
CENTRESTAGE in Town citywide events
CENTRESTAGE in Town features a series of fashion events beyond the CENTRESTAGE fairground, collaborating with some 100 Hong Kong boutiques, shopping malls and cultural landmarks to generate a fashion buzz across the city. Highlighted events include:
Date (Year 2021)
Event
Venue
From today to 5 Jan 2022
Exhibition – “NOT a fashion store!”
Hong Kong Museum of Art
From today to 31 Dec
PMQ Creative Workshop Series
PMQ
From today to 5 Sept
Fashion Walk HK Designers Concept Pop-up Store (inside Philip Gold Curation)
Fashion Walk, Kingston Street, Causeway Bay
20 Aug to 12 Sept
JCCAC X PMQ Collaborative Exhibition: But Wing-ki
PMQ
27 Aug to 6 Sept
CENTRESTAGE Fashion Showcase
Harbour City Gateway Arcade
1-9 Sept
CENTRESTAGE Digital Gallery
D2 Place TWO
1-9 Sept
CENTRESTAGE Pop-up Shop (Whitelisted by Novelty Lan & Fashion Farm Foundation)
BGRIMs Bo Thong Wind Farm fully up with grid connection, another milestone in clean energy pathway set
The Bo Thong 1 and 2 wind farms are operated by Bo Thong Wind Farm, owned 92.2% by BGRIM. Their electrical output has been delivered to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that comes with a provision of an “adder”
B.Grimm Power Public Co Ltd (BGRIM)’s 16-megawatt wind farm in northeast Thailand has fully come on line and supplying power to the national grid.
The second part of Bo Thong wind energy facility, located in Nikhom Kamsoi district, Mukdahan province, was successfully brought on stream on August 16, joining the first unit which was up and running earlier on August 2.
“Bo Thong Wind Farm’s commercial start-up represents another milestone in BGRIM’s route map towards greater engagement in clean energy development,” said Dr Harald Link, Chairman and President of BGRIM.
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BGRIMs Bo Thong Wind Farm fully up with grid connection, another milestone in clean energy pathway set
The Bo Thong 1 and 2 wind farms are operated by Bo Thong Wind Farm, owned 92.2% by BGRIM. Their electrical output has been delivered to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that comes with a provision of an “adder”, amounted of 3.5 baht per kilowatt-hour, to the base tariff for a 10-year period.
The operation of wind farms forms part of BGRIM’s strategy to ramp up electricity production from clean and renewal energy sources and to make them available to state power utilities in Thailand and countries around the world under the so-called B2G (business to government) model. The model is geared towards providing highly efficient and stable electricity and utilities that are fundamental to the economic growth of countries.
BGRIM is seeking to achieve the objective by pursuing green-field developments and acquisitions both at home and abroad to become a world-class energy producer. More importantly, BGRIM is moving strenuously towards realising net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Dr Link said: “BGRIM will continue to invest more with a determination to promote sustainable business growth under the principles of good governance as well as responsible value chain management.
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“The principles take into account the economic, social and environmental impacts through the development of clean energy and the improvement of power plant efficiency.
“Our goal is to increase the proportion of clean energy in our portfolio that will go a long way to help curbing global warming and taking care of the environment in a sustainable way,” he noted.
At present, about 74% of BGRIM’s generation is derived from natural gas with the remaining 26% being in the forms of renewable or clean energy.
The company is completing five combined cycle co-generation power plants, namely ABP 1, ABP 2, BPLC 1 and BGPM 1&2, with a combined installed capacity of 700 MW. They are replacements to existing ones and due to start commercial operation by the second half of next year.
BGRIM has been negotiating and studying the possibility of expanding investment in renewable energy projects in many countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines.
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BGRIM currently has a total of 50 power plants in commercial operation. The company aims to ramp up its total installed capacity from 3,058 MW at the end of 2020 to at least 7,200 MW of secured PPA by 2025 and further to 10,000 MW by 2030 with an annual revenue of more than 100 billion baht being targeted.