EGAT highlights ‘Grid Modernization’ and clean energy technologies, driving energy and environmental security at a youth-focused forum
27 March 2025EGAT participated in the “Young Change World Change” forum, highlighting “Grid Modernization” as a key solution to address fluctuations in renewable energy, while exploring alternative energy sources, including SMR and hydrogen, to enhance energy security during the energy transition, aiming for Net Zero Emissions.
Mr. Thepparat Theppitak, Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), participated in a panel discussion on adaptation strategies amid the climate crisis and the future of sustainable energy titled “Technology and Energy Innovations in Response to Climate Change and ERC’s Mission” as part of the kick-off of “Young Change World Change” for Net Zero Emissions, an activity under the Young Change World Change Project press conference, chaired by Mr. Pitak Janyapong, Commissioner of Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). EGAT’s topic focused on “Thailand’s Energy Technology and Innovation,” while Dr. Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, Secretary General of ERC, discussed “The Role of ERC’s Mission.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naebboon Hoonchareon from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, presented on “Smart City Platform and Pilot Testing at Chulalongkorn University.” Additionally, Prof. Dr. Pisut Painmanakul, EGAT Board Member and project leader, shared insights on “Advancing Technology and Innovation for Climate Change Adaptation.” The event took place at the Charoen Engineering Building, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, on March 21, 2025.
Mr. Thepparat Theppitak, Governor of EGAT, stated that the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy presents a significant challenge due to the intermittency of renewable energy (RE). To address this, EGAT has implemented Grid Modernization plan to enhance energy security by developing more flexible and modernized power plants and transmission system. Moreover, EGAT is developing Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Virtual Power Plant, a platform that integrates RE power plants and energy storage systems to enable stable electricity dispatch, similar to a baseload power plant. Additionally, EGAT has developed the Renewable Energy Forecast Center (REFC) to enhance electricity generation planning and the Demand Response Control Center (DRCC) that manages electricity demand reduction during peak hours by incentivizing businesses participating in the program to adjust their electricity usage schedules.
Furthermore, EGAT is exploring alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen for electricity generation by blending it with natural gas. In addition, EGAT is developing electricity generation using fuel cells as well as Small Modular Reactor (SMR), a nuclear fission-based power generation that offers high safety standards due to its modular design, which reduces system complexity. Key components are pre-manufactured in factories, ensuring strict quality control and enabling faster installation. SMR also requires smaller emergency zones and incorporates passive cooling technology, which operates without relying on external power sources. Fuel price is also stable as nuclear fuel is abundant in nature and only a small volume is required for electricity generation. This enhances energy security while addressing climate change, as SMR produces zero carbon emissions during power generation. Additionally, EGAT is conducting research on other energy technologies, such as nuclear fusion reactions and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), which will play a crucial role in achieving the goal of Net Zero Emissions.
The Young Change World Change project is organized by ERC which has allocated funds from the Power Development Fund to Chula Unisearch to implement activities for undergraduate students to present their ideas on clean energy and environmental innovations by submitting their projects for the competition from March 1 to May 31, 2025 to win the scholarship prize totaling 1,000,000 baht.