Khon Kaen community partakes in public hearing of Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid Project at Ubol Ratana Dam
13 December 2022The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Consultant of Technology Co., Ltd. (COT) thanked the people of Khon Kaen Province for attending and participating in the public hearing for the stable and clean energy power plant project to help drive the country toward carbon neutrality.
On December 9, 2022, Mr. Sutep Maneechot, Vice Governor of Khon Kaen Province chaired a meeting in order to listen to the opinions of the public and stakeholders to conduct the Code of Practice (CoP) and Environmental Safety Assessment (ESA) for the Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid Project at Ubol Ratana Dam according to the Power Development Plan, B.E. 2561-2580, Revision 1 (PDP2018, Rev.1). Residents, local leaders, public and private sectors, educational institutions, the media, and EGAT executives totaling over 300 people joined the meeting at the auditorium of Ubol Ratana District Office in Ubol Ratana Dam Sub-district, Ubol Ratana District, Khon Kaen Province.
Mr. Sutep Maneechot said that this project generates electricity from clean energy by combining floating solar panels with hydropower from dams. It will become a learning center for renewable energy and a new tourist destination of Khon Kaen Province. The project will enhance power system security at the regional level as well as reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which is the cause of global warming and a national agenda.
Mr. Tawatchai Sumranwanich, EGAT Assistant Governor – Power Plant Planning thanked all sectors for expressing their opinions beneficial for CoP and ESA to establish environmental measures, safety regulations, and project development guidelines to help strengthen the community’s quality of life leading to the sustainable development of the project.
During the meeting, Ms. Duangkamol Phaprommarat, a COT environmental specialist shared the project details, environmental impact assessment, and measures to prevent, solve, and monitor environmental impact in order to build understanding about the project. The meeting was an opportunity for stakeholders to express their opinions, suggestions, and concerns for the improvement of the project.
The Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid Project at Ubol Ratana Dam is a hybrid electricity generation system combining floating solar panels with hydropower. It is also equipped with a battery energy storage system (BESS) to enhance the stability of the power system with the generating capacity of 24 MW. The project supports the growing economy in Khon Kaen Province and the region, and increases the proportion of electricity generation from renewable energy, driving Thailand toward carbon neutrality. Moreover, it reduces electricity import and utilizes the reservoir area for maximum benefit. The commercial operation date (COD) of the project will be within 2023.