EGAT highlights SMR as key puzzle piece for creating security-price-environment balance
22 September 2025EGAT emphasized that clean energy must go hand in hand with security and SMR is a key puzzle piece to fill in the gaps of renewable energy, creating a balance between security, price, and the environment while driving stable and sustainable socio-economic growth.
On September 16, 2025, Mr. Narin Phoawanich, Deputy Governor – Fuel and Acting Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), participated in the seminar “Clean Energy Changes the World, Nuclear Changes the Game” at the “The Secret Sauce Summit 2025,” held by The Standard. On this stage, thinkers, businesspeople, and professionals from various fields such as technology, innovation, marketing, and investment, have gathered to share their vision and practical experiences at UOB Live, EmSphere, Bangkok.
Mr. Narin Phoawanich, Deputy Governor – Fuel and Acting Governor of EGAT, said that clean energy must align with security and affordability, because renewable energy cannot generate electricity at full capacity. Therefore, EGAT has developed hydro-floating solar power plant projects which can operate in conjunction with hydropower plants and energy storage systems. In response to challenges from renewable energy, EGAT aims to create a balance between security, price, and the environment by establishing the Renewable Energy Forecast Center (REFC) and the Demand Response Control Center (DRCC) to plan for electricity generation and increase the stability of the power system. Pumped-storage hydropower plants are also being developed as a source of electricity generation and storage system, as well as a Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) to support the increasing renewable energy.
A key puzzle piece that will fill in the gap of Thailand’s energy balance is the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) with a capacity of 300 MW. The design integrates key components into a module, reducing system complexity and the risk of accidents. It is highly safe compared to traditional nuclear power plants and has a natural air ventilation system that does not rely on human control or backup power. The module is manufactured and assembled at the factory, making it convenient for quality control and transportation and reducing the construction time to only 3-4 years. As a result, construction costs are lower and the lifespan of the power plant is increased to over 60 years. It can also disperse energy risks by using less fuel and changing the fuel cycle every two years. More importantly, it can generate electricity 24/7, meeting the demand for electricity continuously and seamlessly, maintaining power system security, filling in the gaps of renewable energy, and creating a clean and stable power system for Thailand.
However, SMR advancement in Thailand must be done comprehensively and requires cooperation from all sectors, including public and private sectors, researchers, and communities in order to build trust, especially on Thai people’s understanding of nuclear energy, for mutual acceptance. Under the concept “Solution to Modern Realm,” SMR will be the “puzzle” piece that will make Thailand’s power system secure and clean, with a competitive price. The development will create a balance between the present electricity demand and future responsibility, so that the society and economy can grow with stability and sustainability.