NEB greenlights Mae Moh Power Plant Replacement Project and Surat Thani Power Plant Project
23 September 2021EGAT proceeded with the Mae Moh Power Plant Replacement Project, Units 8-9, and the Surat Thani Power Plant Project, Blocks 1-2, after both projects were approved by the National Environment Board in order to provide power system security in the North and South, maintain national power system stability, and stimulate the local economy sustainably.
Mr. Prasertsak Cherngchawano, Deputy Governor – Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) revealed, during the National Environment Board (NEB) meeting on September 15, 2021, chaired by General Prawit Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister, the Board approved the Environmental Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) of the Mae Moh Power Plant Replacement Project, Units 8-9 in Mae Moh District, Lampang Province, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Surat Thani Power Plant Project, Blocks 1-2 in Phunphin District, Surat Thani Province. From now on, EGAT will strictly comply with the measures stated in the report, as well as add measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure occupational health and safety during the construction as suggested by the Board.
The Mae Moh Power Plant Replacement Project, Units 8-9, and the Surat Thani Power Plant Project, Blocks 1-2 are in accordance with the Power Development Plan B.E. 2561 – 2580, Revision 1 (PDP2018, Rev.1). The Mae Moh Power Plant Replacement Project, Units 8-9 will have a generating capacity of 600 MW; it is expected to supply electricity in 2026 to strengthen power system security in the North and replace the capacity of the existing Mae Moh Power Plant, which will be decommissioned due to an end of operating life. The Surat Thani Power Plant Project, Blocks 1-2 will have a generating capacity of 1,400 MW; it is expected to supply electricity in 2027 and 2029 respectively in order to strengthen power system security and support tourism and economic growth in the South. Both projects will be constructed in the area of the existing power plants due to the availability of the transmission systems, which will decrease transmission system construction cost and not increase power generation cost, thereby maintaining the overall power system stability of the country. Moreover, the projects will help stimulate the economy, expand Thailand’s industries, create jobs and revenue, and promote local employment. The community will also benefit from power development funds to develop the community in various areas, such as education and occupation, which will strengthen the local economy sustainably.
Regarding the Mae Moh Power Plant Replacement Project, Units 8-9, EGAT is preparing to submit the EHIA report to the Cabinet for project approval. The report is expected to be submitted by December 2021.
“EGAT is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality and will decrease power generation from lignite at Mae Moh Power Plant, which currently has a generating capacity of 2,455 MW. The original generating units will be gradually decommissioned; by 2026, there will be only 2 units left, which will be new and efficient power plants with the generating capacity of 1,315 MW. The Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid Project, a power generation from renewable energy, will also increase its capacity. The project currently has 45 MW of generating capacity at Sirindhorn Dam and will continue to expand to other dams until it reaches the total generating capacity of 2,725 MW as planned. EGAT is ready to handle the transition towards clean energy of the future,” EGAT Deputy Governor – Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy said.