“Mr. Thepparat Theppitak” to lead EGAT with 5 missions, ensuring Thailand’s power system security
21 March 2024Mr. Thepparat Theppitak, the 16th EGAT Governor, will lead EGAT with 5 key missions to ensure Thailand’s power system security under the growth of renewable energy, as well as to seek alternative fuels while maintaining competitive and fair electricity tariffs.
On March 20, 2024 at EGAT Headquarters in Nonthaburi Province, Mr. Thepparat Theppitak, Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) met the media to talk about EGAT’s operational direction and management approach after being appointed as the 16th EGAT Governor on March 14, 2024.
Mr. Thepparat Theppitak said that for 1 year and 4 months that he will hold the position of EGAT Governor, he will focus on 5 key missions. The first mission is to ensure power system security under the challenges from renewable energy growth and the increasing power demand from EV charging. Therefore, EGAT needs to expedite the development of grid modernization to manage the fluctuating electricity output. This involves upgrading power plants to be more flexible as well as establishing Renewable Energy Forecast Center and Demand Response Control Center to reduce power consumption of users who are willing to reduce their usage during the period of high demand, to balance the electricity system. Moreover, EGAT plans for the transition to virtual power plants to achieve continuous electricity generation from renewable energy.
The second mission is to ensure competitive and fair electricity tariffs by utilizing natural resources both domestically and in overlapping areas, importing low-cost LNG, and supporting the Ministry of Energy’s policy of electricity tariff restructuring and the policy of “No Net Metering Support Net Billing” as beneficiaries should pay more for electricity, while those disadvantaged should receive compensation. Additionally, EGAT supports power purchase from hydropower plants in Lao PDR. All is to ensure the fair and reasonable electricity tariffs for all groups of power users.
The third mission is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the country’s goal of Carbon Neutrality. It includes the development of Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid projects at EGAT dams and studies of alternative fuels, especially hydrogen which can be both combustion fuel like natural gas and fuel cell, and there is a trend of decreasing price. During the clean energy transition, hydrogen can also be used with other fuels in EGAT existing power plants without the need for power plant improvement. Moreover, EGAT has studied the utilization of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage.
The fourth mission is to adhere to the government policies as EGAT is an organization under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy. Regarding the policy of separating System Operator to ensure transparency and fairness; initially, EGAT needs to improve power system control to be more secure and modern to support the growth of renewable energy as well as to control generation and transmission systems to automatically and efficiently react with fluctuations and unexpected events. At the same time, a transparent information disclosure system for the System Operator and the implementation of Internal Power Purchase Agreements (Internal PPA) covering all types of power plants can be implemented promptly.
The last mission is to deliver revenue to the government. As a state enterprise, EGAT serves as a tool of the government for conducting business and needs to earn profits to be the revenue source for the government to develop the country and maintain financial stability. Therefore, managing Return of Invested Capital is important to ensure sufficient funds for its operation and investment in power system development.
“EGAT serves as a tool of the government to implement energy policies and drive the economy in developing the country. During the clean energy transition by increasing the share of electricity generation from renewable energy, it is crucial for the power system to be highly efficient and reliable, supplying high-quality electricity with competitive and fair tariffs, the factor to attract investors and enhance the country’s competitiveness.