USTDA and EGAT jointly conduct feasibility study of Vajiralongkorn Dam Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant, developing large energy storage system for securing clean energy generation
5 April 2023
Mr. Robert F. Godec, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, on behalf of U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), signed the agreement on feasibility study of the pumped storage hydropower plant at Vajiralongkorn Dam, Kanchanaburi Province, to develop clean energy infrastructure of Thailand, support an international policy of carbon neutrality, and enhance power system security, on April 4, 2023 at EGAT 50th Anniversary Building, EGAT Headquarters, Nonthaburi Province.
Mr. Robert F. Godec, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, said that the United States has supported energy projects that help reduce emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by awarding grants. The feasibility study of Vajiralongkorn Dam Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant will help Thailand apply clean energy technologies to power generation with environmental friendliness. It also promotes clean energy transition, supports Bio-Circular-Green economic model, and enhances Thailand’s energy security.
Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, EGAT Governor, said that EGAT has announced its policy, EGAT Carbon Neutrality, aiming to use clean energy to achieve net zero emissions with the focus on problem prevention and solution for electricity generation throughout the whole process by using clean energy technologies and innovations. The cooperation between USTDA and EGAT for the feasibility study of Vajiralongkorn Dam Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant is an important step of clean energy infrastructure development. Moreover, the pumped storage hydropower plant is considered a large-scale energy storage which helps maintain stability, reduces fluctuations of power system, and supports development of grid modernization.
Ms. Enoh T. Ebong, Director of USTDA, said that USTDA and EGAT has partnered to develop Thailand’s energy infrastructure for 30 years. The support for this project reflects a shared goal of enhancing clean energy security. This collaboration is a good beginning to exchange expertise and experience of the pumped storage hydropower plant.
The pumped storage hydropower plant contains two water reservoirs: upper reservoir and lower reservoir. The water from the upper reservoir is released to generate electricity during peak demand periods. During the periods of low demand, the plant uses excess electricity in the system to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir to be stored until it is needed to produce additional power.