EGAT promotes 24/7 renewable energy with battery storage to support global clean energy trend
9 September 2021EGAT promoted 24/7 Solar-Hydro-Battery Energy Storage (SHB) and the reinforcement of the ASEAN grid interconnection at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2021 (AEBF2021).
Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) gave a special interview on the topic “ASEAN Utilities and Age of Transformation” at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2021 (AEBF2021) held by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) between September 14-16, 2021.
Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit said, Thailand has successfully developed the world’s largest Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid Project with a generating capacity of 45 MW scheduled for commercial operation (COD) by 2021; and in the next 10 years, EGAT has received approval for 15 more projects at eight EGAT dams with the total capacity of 2,680 MW. Then, to support the globally recognized goal of carbon neutrality, EGAT is preparing to develop 24/7 renewable energy with Solar-Hydro-Battery Energy Storage (SHB) which uses battery to enhance renewable energy security. The declining cost of battery and solar panels in the future will also benefit the project cost.
Although the growth of renewable energy increases the complexity of the power system due to the uncertainty of the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy, it is an opportunity for grid modernization, which will support renewable energy growth and power system security. EGAT plans to focus on development in the following areas: renewable energy (RE) forecast center, power plant flexibility, digital substation, demand response control center (DRCC), battery energy storage system (BESS), and virtual power plant (VPP) in order to increase the stability of renewable energy.
Moreover, cross border interconnection will play an important role in enhancing renewable integration into the power system. Therefore, transmission network reinforcement and interconnection will be EGAT’s priorities for the next few years so as to become the regional energy trading hub. To support renewable energy market development, EGAT has introduced green energy market mechanisms known as Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) which will help energy producers and users claim the rights to generate and use renewable energy and draw investments from global companies.
“In the midst of energy transition, as a national electricity generating authority, EGAT has multidimensional strategies for sustainable energy development, such as technology, policy, and market mechanism. EGAT guarantees that the energy transition will go smoothly and the future of energy will become more secure, in keeping with EGAT’s vision ‘Innovate Power Solutions for a Better Life,’” Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit stated.