Three power utilities showcase advanced innovations to meet power users’ requirements and ensure power security
13 June 2023EGAT, MEA, and PEA joined forces to organize a power innovation exhibition and special talks on innovation development strategies, responding to the global energy transition and enhancing a better living for Thais.
On June 12, 2023, three power authorities held their first innovation showcase titled “Show and Share, Innovation for the Better Life,” to exchange knowledge on research and development, inventions, and innovations; enhance developments; and respond to changing behaviors of power users. Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, Governor of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Mr. Wilas Chaloeysat, Governor of Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), and Mr. Supachai Ek-un, Governor of Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), accompanied by inventors of the three power utilities, representatives of energy policy makers and regulatory authorities, the country’s research organizations, industrial sector, and those interested attended the opening ceremony, held at Centara Grand Plaza Ladprao.
The exhibition featured over 30 research, inventions, and innovations of the three authorities, including transmission maintenance, social and environmental responsibility, and services. There were the special talks under the topic “Innovation Development Strategies of the Three Power Utilities for Power Security” and “EV Roaming” and other 17 discussion panels.
According to the special talk, the three power authorities have collaborated in innovation development with three aspects: 1) study on recycle factory and solar and battery waste management, 2) sharing of Energy Information and technology (Big Data), and 3) EV Roaming.
EGAT Governor revealed EGAT’s innovation strategy comprising 1) increasing current business efficiency with innovation, 2) driving future business with innovation, 3) enhancing sustainability with innovation, and 4) developing personnel to be an innovation creator. EGAT has supported the personnel to continuously conduct research and development and develop inventions and innovations. Among the outstanding innovations showcased in this event included EGAT Line Fault Locator with precise data recording and mobile notification in case of power interruption, resulting in time and workforce reduction for error detection to ensure the power system security and quality power supply.
MEA Governor said that MEA has set the policy on innovation management for better urban living comprising 1) developing infrastructure to support innovation creation, 2) promoting a culture focusing on creativity and innovation, and 3) developing innovations to respond to customers and for sustainability. One of MEA’s showcased innovations was Smart Metro Grid which can automatically read power units and allow customers to check their electricity usage. It also enables quick analysis of power outages and redistributes electricity to unrelated areas. This helps plan distribution system expansion, support new electricity usage requests, and serve as a load aggregator to mitigate insufficient electricity supply during emergencies. Additionally, it facilitates communication and data exchange between various systems of MEA.
PEA Governor said that PEA has created the atmosphere and adequate resources for enhancing the personnel’s creativity to develop innovations, leading to increased operation efficiency and innovation development for commercial use with the innovation strategy consisting of 1) improving innovation management, 2) cultivating value and culture related to creativity and innovation, and 3) applying creativity and innovation. In this event, PEA exhibited the PEA VOLTA DC25, a direct-current charger for 25 kW electric vehicles (EV) which can be used through PEA VOLTA Application to facilitate EV users, reduce technology import and production costs, and promote the EV ecosystem.
The three power authorities have determined to continuously promote the development of research and innovations and get ready to extend cooperation with all sectors, moving toward the energy transition for the power quality, stability, security, and a better living for Thais, sustainably.