EGAT Marks 56th Anniversary with Ongoing Commitment to Energy and Social Sustainability
2 May 2025EGAT is increasing the share of green electricity generation, highlighting Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a solution for energy security and environmental friendliness. This goes hand in hand with energy innovation to strengthen the reliability of the power system, supporting a global shift toward clean energy while ensuring stability for Thailand’s electricity grid — for a sustainable future and well-being of the Thai people.
Mr. Thepparat Theppitak, Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), stated that May 1, 2025, marks EGAT’s 56th anniversary. On this occasion, he expressed gratitude to the Thai people for their continued trust in EGAT to safeguard the country’s power system. Since its establishment on May 1, 1969, with an initial generation capacity of just 908 MW, Thailand’s total electricity generation has grown to 52,017 MW, with EGAT contributing 16,261 MW, or 31.26%. The transmission network now spans 40,041 circuit-kilometers across the country, playing a vital role in driving the nation’s economy and improving the quality of life for all Thais.
During the clean energy transition, EGAT recognizes the importance of maintaining energy security by finding a balanced mix between fossil fuel-based and renewable electricity generation that suits Thailand’s needs. Solar and wind energy are inherently variable, with capacity factors of only around 17–20%. Coupled with steadily rising electricity demand, EGAT is therefore advancing grid modernization, enabling effective management of the increasing share of renewable energy as follows:
- Upgrading power plants to become Flexible Power Plants, allowing rapid ramp-up or reduction in electricity generation to meet demand at all times
- Enhancing flexible grid by installing energy storage batteries and integrating with pumped-storage hydropower plants to reduce fluctuations and maintain system stability
- Strengthening power generation planning with the Renewable Energy Forecast Center, which provides forecasts to support coordinated planning with baseload power plants
- Developing Virtual Power Plant (VPP) that acts as a control hub for various types of renewable energy and storage systems, leveraging the strengths of each energy source to reinforce system stability, alongside Demand Side Management (DSM) to optimize electricity usage.
At the same time, EGAT remains committed to sustainable power generation by accelerating the increase of green electricity through its floating solar power projects at EGAT dams. Three projects—at Bhumibol Dam in Tak Province, Srinagarind Dam and Vajiralongkorn Dam in Kanchanaburi Province—are currently awaiting Cabinet approval. Additionally, the Lam Pao Dam Hydropower Project in Kalasin Province is expected to begin commercial operation by 2026. EGAT is also promoting awareness and understanding of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) —a clean energy solution of the future that offers both energy security and system flexibility. SMRs can operate continuously 24 hours a day, work efficiently alongside renewable energy, emit no carbon dioxide, and offer competitive and stable electricity costs without fuel price volatility. Their safety systems are simplified and designed in modular form, manufactured and assembled in factories for better quality control. SMRs can shut down automatically in emergencies and have passive cooling systems that do not rely on backup electricity. Moreover, their smaller size significantly reduces the controlled radiation zone—from up to 16 km in traditional nuclear power plants to less than 1 km for SMRs.
For the transmission system development, EGAT is upgrading its 500 kV and 230 kV transmission systems and adopting digital technologies to support decentralized renewable power generation.
For the social and environmental mission, EGAT adopts a circular economy model, repurposing by-products from Mae Moh Power Plant: eco-friendly fly ash concrete which serves as an alternative to traditional cement-based concrete, and humic products from Leonardite used to rehabilitate degraded soil for agriculture, treat wastewater, or support related industries.
In addition, EGAT has rapidly expanded its EleX by EGAT charging stations and partner stations under the EleXA network to 413 locations nationwide. In 2025, the goal is to increase the total number of stations to 520. EGAT is also preparing to launch a campaign celebrating the 30th anniversary of the No. 5 Energy Efficiency Label, along with unveiling its new version. This initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, aims to promote efficient energy use among the public and contribute to the country’s carbon neutrality goal.