German President visits “Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid at Sirindhorn Dam” to seek cooperation in alternative energy
27 January 2024The President of the Federal Republic of Germany visited Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani Province to witness the success of the world’s largest Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid and exchange alternative energy cooperation, aiming to achieve Carbon Neutrality.
On January 26, 2024, H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, along with his spouse and entourage, visited the Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid Project at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani Province to seek electric power cooperation and investment opportunities. On this occasion, Captain Thamanat Phromphao, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives; Dr. Jiraporn Sirikum, Deputy Governor – Power Business and Acting Governor of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT); Mr. Ross Conlon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Limited; and Mr. Paitool Paisalsukwittaya, Executive Vice President of B.Grimm Power Plc. extended their welcome.
The President of the Federal Republic of Germany listened to the mission of EGAT and the overview of the 45 MW Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid Project using control system technology from Siemens. It is the largest hydro-floating solar hybrid project in the world and the first pilot project of EGAT to combine solar power and hydropower in order to lessen limitations of power generation that depends on weather conditions. EGAT has developed the Energy Management System (EMS) to make power generation efficient, prolong the generation duration, enhance the country’s security, and contribute to achieving the goal of Carbon Neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions of 47,000 tons/year, equivalent to planting trees of 37,600 rai. The project has started its commercial operation since October 2021.
The Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid Project at Sirindhorn Dam is one of the sixteen projects developed at nine dams nationwide with a total generating capacity of 2,725 MW, in accordance with the Power Development Plan (2018-2037) Revision 1. EGAT places importance on developing electric power coupled with raising the quality of life sustainably. Currently, this Project is being developed into a new landmark of Ubon Ratchathani Province with the Nature Walkway located amid beautiful scenery. It also becomes a new learning center on renewable energy, creating jobs and income for the community and boosting provincial economy.