Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand Charts a Green Energy Future

EGAT Gov. Boonyanit Wongrukmit highlights key milestones and strategies in driving Thailand’s energy transition and supporting net-zero emissions targets.

With a clear vision of its future and direction, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is exerting efforts to diversify energy sources, optimise green initiatives for carbon reduction, and invest in the expansion of their transmission infrastructure.

In an exclusive interview with Asian Power magazine, EGAT Governor Boonyanit Wongrukmit reported the organisation’s significant strides towards these goals under his leadership.

“At the end of 2022, we had a total generating capacity of 16,920 megawatts from 53 power plants. This accounted for 34% of Thailand's total capacity. You can also purchase power from IPP at 16,748 megawatts. We also buy from small power producers at 9195 megawatts,” Wongrukmit stressed.

This, he said, highlights the importance of diversifying energy sources and collaborating with various entities to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply.

His leadership has also focused on green initiatives and carbon reduction targets, which underscore Thailand’s commitment to environmental sustainability and shift towards cleaner energy sources and technologies.

“For the environmental indicator, the carbon dioxide reduction target for the first quarter of 2023 is at 0.1292 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, and it is expected to reach the goal of 3.36 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by the end of this year,” Wongrukmit said.

But Thailand’s energy transition towards carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065 is a great challenge. “To handle this challenge, it has introduced carbon neutrality and also called the Triple S strategy,” he said.

EGAT’s Triple S strategy focuses on lower carbon emission sources, co-creation of projects to absorb carbon dioxide, and energy efficiency mechanisms to prevent carbon dioxide emissions.

In terms of expansion of transmission system and infrastructure, he told Asian Power: “We just started the commercial operation of Bang Pakong combined cycle Unit One and Two replacement project with a total capacity of 1386 megawatts, this is to serve the centre of Thailand for the transmission system. You can own a transmission line of 38,666 circuit kilometers long with 235 high voltage transmission stations.”

One other notable accomplishment of the EGAT was the successful commercial operation of the world’s largest hydro floating solar hybrid project at Sirindhorn Dam, with a capacity of 45 megawatts.

This project served as a pioneer for the development of similar initiatives, with a goal of reaching a total production capacity of 10,416 megawatts from renewable energy sources by 2080.

In addition, EGAT actively monitors and analyzes oil and gas prices in response to price fluctuations, as natural gas remains a primary fuel for electricity generation in Thailand.

“For the long term, we are actively managing natural gas imports for free or to have flexibility in terms of price and quantity,” Wongrukmit said.

Furthermore, EGAT established new companies, such as EGAT Power and EGAT Innovate, to collaborate with innovative startups in exploring business opportunities during the energy transition period.

Its commitment to green energy is exemplified through its partnerships and investments. EGAT, together with PTT, invested in an LNG terminal in Non-Fat district, aiming to generate the research and development supply of 7.5 million tonnes per year.

“We have established our group companies to expand business and improve operational flexibility, treating business partners as our friends,” Wongrukmit stressed.

The organisation has also expanded into the EV solutions market, focusing on smart energy solutions and research and development, to support Thailand’s carbon neutrality and net-zero emission goals.

In the foreseeable future, EGAT is determined to accomplish four strategic goals, starting with strengthening the national power system through grid modernisation and transmission predictive maintenance to support the integration of renewable energy sources.

Second is implementing the Triple S strategy to achieve green energy and carbon neutrality goals, including projects such as hydro floating solar hybrid plants, EV business solutions, and exploring hydrogen technology.

Third is enhancing organisational competency through HR work processes and digitalisation, aiming to increase engagement with communities and stakeholders.

And fourth is finding energy solutions to meet customer needs and improve satisfaction, including developing green energy trading business and green digital solutions to attract investors seeking reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

As a parting shot for the Asian Power interview, Wongrukmit said he envisions EGAT to become a regional green energy infrastructure provider as it anticipates increased demand for green energy in Southeast Asian countries.