1884 Availability of electricity in Thailand
The electric lamp was lighted for the first time in Thailand at Chakri Throne Hall in the Grand Palace in the celebrations of Birthday Anniversary of King Chulalongkorn on 20 September 1884.
1898 Founding of “Siam Electricity Co., Ltd.”
The Siam Electricity Co., Ltd. of which the business was transferred from Bangkok Electric Light Syndicate on 27 December 1898was foundedas the first private electricity company in Thailand. After the founding of the company, Wat Liab Power Plant was constructed.
1914 Founding ofthe “Royal Samsen Electricity Division” for electricity supply in Bangkok and Thonburi
In the reign of King Rama VI, in 1912, Chao Phraya Yommarat (Pan Sukhum) was assigned to build the Waterworks and Samsen Power Plant at the same time. The construction of Samsen Power Plant was completed and had been able to supply electricity in 1914.The power plant was a state enterprise known as “Royal Samsen Electricity Authority”.
Later on, it was put under the Ministry of Interior and the name was changed to be “Royal Samsen Electricity Division”. Since then, the electricity activity has become firm and electricity had become widely available to the inhabitants of Bangkok and Thonburi. Siam Electricity Co., Ltd. (Wat Liab Power Plant) was responsible for electricity supply to the southern area of Bang Lamphu Canal and Bangkok Noi Canal whereas the Royal Samsen Electricity Division was responsible for electricity distribution to the northern area of the canals.
1929 Founding of “Electricity Section” in Ministry of Interior
In 1929, the electricity activity in provinces has started in the Sanitation Districts of Ratchaburi and Nakon Pathom Provinces. After the change of government from absolute monarchy to constitutional in 1932, the electricity activity had expanded to other Sanitation District such as Sanitation Districts of Prachin Buri, Phuket, Nakon Nayok, Cholburi, Ban Pong, Chantaburi and Chiang Mai.
After the reengineering of ministries and departments, the Civil Municipality Department was set up and the Electricity Section was upgraded to be Electricity Division under the Civil and Municipality Department.
1945 Damage of Wat Liab Power Plant and Samsen Power Plant
In 1939, World War II broke out in Europe. In Thailand, it was in the reign of King Rama IIX. On 24 June1939, the name of the country was changed from ‘Siam” to “Thailand”. Consequently, the name of the electricity company “Siam Electricity Co., Ltd.” was changed to be “Thai Electricity Corporation Limited”.
In April, 1945, Wat Liab Power Plant and Samsen Power Plant were heavily bombed by the planes of the Allies to the useless condition resulting in the darkness over Bangkok and Thonburi. People had no electricity and water for consumption. Later, Wat Liab Power Plant which was in a comparatively better condition was restored by the Thai Electricity Corporation Ltd. The restoration took around 2 months. For Samsen Power Plant which was in serious condition, the restoration took 4 years before it could start the operation again in June 1949.
1950 Founding of “Bangkok Electricity Authority”
In 1950,“Bangkok Electricity Authority”was founded to accept the business transfer of the “Thai Electricity Corporation Limited” of which the concession had ended.
In 1951, the “Committee on countrywide power plant construction” was set up. Later on, in 1952, its name was changed to be “Committee on electricity and energy of Thailand”.
In 1953, the Committee was restructured into the “Office of the National Energy”. Presently, it has the status of the “Energy Policy and Planning Office” under Ministry of Energy.
1953 Construction of a large- scale hydro power plant in Sam Ngao District,Tak Province
A large- scale hydro power plant was built by “Yanhee ElectricityAuthority” in Sam Ngao District, Tak Province, taking 7 years for the construction. The dam at the power plant was originally known as “Yanhee Dam”. The transmission lines connected the hydro power plant with various provinces in the Northern region including Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai to supply electricity. With the royal permission, the name of the dam was changed to be “Bhumibol Dam”. On 17 May 1964, Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit performed the opening ceremony of the dam and the power plant.
1954 Founding of “Lignite Electricity Authority”
“Lignite Electricity Organization” was established in1954 and was transformed to become “Lignite Authority” in 1960 to be responsible for electricity generation and transmission in the South.
“Provincial Electricity Organization” was also established in1954 and was upgraded to be “Provincial Electricity Authority” in 1960 to be responsible for electricity generation and sale in Thailand except for the metropolitan area.
1957 Founding of “Yanhee Electricity Authority”
“Yanhee Electricity Authority” was responsible for electricity generation for supplying to the Northern and the Central regions by constructing Bhumibol Hydropower Plant in Tak Province. Moreover, Yanhee Electricity Authority built the other 75 MW thermal power plant (steam power plant) in Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province which was known as “North Bangkok Power Plant”. It was the largest power plant of the time. The power plant started to operate in March 1961 by supplying electricity via the high voltage transmission lines to Samsen Power Plant.
On 1 August 1958, the “Metropolitan Electricity Authority” was founded by merging “Bangkok Electricity Authority” and “Royal Samsen Electricity Division” to be responsible for electricity sale in the Bangkok metropolitan (Bangkok and Thonburi), Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan.
1959 Installation of the first 69 kV high voltage transmission lines in Thailand
Mae Moh Power Plant in Lampang Province was built by the Lignite Electricity Authority having 2 units with the capacity of 6.25 MW using lignite from Mae Moh mine as fuel. Thepower plant was connected with Lampang Province by the 69 kV high voltage transmission line which can be regarded to be the first high voltage transmission lines in Thailand. As a result, the electricity system in Lampang was stabilized. Moreover, additional high volage transmission lines were installed from the power plant to Tak Province for the construction of Bhumibol Dam and also from Lampang to Lamphun and Chiang Mai Provinces.
1961 Opening of “North Bangkok Power Plant”
The construction and operation of North Bangkok Power Plant would help to cease the power shortage in Bangkok and Thonburi. On 17 May 1961, thepower plant was opened by the Thai Prime Minister Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat and the US President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Due to the rapidly rising demand for electricity, the 2nd unit of North Bangkok Power Plant was built by Yanhee Electricity Authority at the beginning of 1962 which was completed and was able to supply electricity in mid 1963.
1962 Founding of “Northeastern Electricity Authority” by the government
The “Northeastern Electricity Authority” was founded by the government to be responsible for electricity generation for use in the Northeastern part of Thailand. The first phase dealt with the construction of Ubol Ratana Dam in Khon Kaen Province and Nam Phung Dam in Sakon Nakhon Province.
1964 Opening of lignite mine in Krabi Province by Lignite Authority and construction of Krabi Power Plant
Lignite mine was opened in Krabi Province by the Lignite Authority. The Lignite Power Plant of the total capacity of 60 MW was also built using lignite as fuel. The power plant could start its operation in 1964 and supplied electricity to 7 provinces through high voltage transmission lines from the power plant.
At present, the power system of Krabi Power Plant has been modified to be applicable to use palm oil together with fuel oil in response to the government policy in valorization of palm oil at the government’s request. Since 30 September 1995, Krabi Power Plant has strengthened security to the power system and has the status of “reserved shutdown”.
1969 Electricity Generating Authority (EGAT) was originated from the merge of Yanhee Electricity Authority, Northeastern Electricity Authority and Lignite Authority
The founding of Electricity Generating Authority (EGAT) was originated from the Cabinet resolution concerning the grouping of electricity activities into electricity generation and electricity sales whereas the existing organizations dealing with electricity comprised Yanhee Electricity Authority, Lignite Authority, and Northeastern Electricity Authority. The enactment of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand Act B.E. 1969 (EGAT) resulted in the merging of 3 mentioned organizations as EGAT from1 May1969 which has been regarded as the EGAT Founding Day. EGAT had at the first stage generation capacity of 907,700 kW.
1972 Opening of South Bangkok Power Plant
The construction of South Bangkok Power Plant started in 1967. From1968, the original land which were garden trenches were adjusted for the road construction of 25 km to the project site followed by the construction of the embankment and pier and installation of the cranes for the construction of buildings’ foundation of the power plants Unit 1 -2 since the end of 1968.
The construction of other components such as the turnout building, drainage tunnel, warehouse and building of high voltage substation has started followed by the installation of boilers, high voltage substation and circuit breaker panels, etc. until the construction was completed. On 6 November 1972, Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit performed the opening of the power plant.
1981 Beginning of the Bright Age
The finding of natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand was the beginning of the Bright Age in energy for Thailand. On 12 September 1981, natural gas from the Thai Gulf was used as fuel for electricity generation for the first time at Bang Pakong Power Plant in Chachoengsao Province.
1982 Construction of Rajjaprabha Dam
In 1982, an important project of Water Development Project in the South has created security for the power system as well as economic and social prosperity of the country. Moreover, it was the project to celebrate the 5th cycle Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol and the Rajamangala celebrations.
The construction of Rajjaprabha Dam was started in1987 and completed in September 1987. His Majesty King Bhumibol accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn performed the opening of the dam and the hydro power plant on 30 September 1987.
1982 Installation of the first 500 kV high voltage transmission line in Thailand
In 1982, the first 500 kV high voltage transmission linesof the length of 550 km was installed to link Mae Moh Power Plant and Bangkok. It was the first time that extra high voltage transmission technology was used in this region and the first time for Thailand to use technology of voltage stabilization and gas insulated substation.
1985 Opening of Mae Moh Power Plant by His Majesty King Bhumibol
The construction of Mae Moh Power Plant was started on 17 August 1985. The power plant comprised 3 units each of 75 MW. Moreover, the lignite production capacity of Mae Moh Mine was increased from over 100,000 ton/day to 1,000,000 ton/day. At present, the construction of 14 units of Mae Moh Power Plant have been completed and Mae Moh Mine has become a large lignite mine with the production capacity of 16 million ton per year to be supplied to the power plant as fuel for electricity generation. Mae Moh Power Plant is the largest power plant of the country which uses lignite as fuel.
1991 Construction of South Bangkok Combined Cycle Power Plant (Combined Block 1)
In the new decade (1988-1990), Thailand has the rate of growth of GDP more than 10% for 3 consecutive years. When the economic condition had become better, the demand for electricity also increased. EGAT has a policy to construct combined cycle power plant (CCPP) which used the latest technology of that time. This technology generates more amount of electricity. As the power plant uses natural gas as fuel, the impact on the environment is not so great. Moreover, as the construction takes shorter time, it is possible to add electricity in the system faster.
EGAT proposed the project of South Bangkok Combined Cycle Power Plant (Combined Block 1) to the government so that the Power Development Plan corresponds with the power demand during 1991-1996. The project was approved by the National Economic and Social Development Council on 24 June 1991. Therefore, the construction of South Bangkok Combined Cycle Power Plant, Block 1 which is commonly known in short among the staff of the power plant as “Combined Block1” of the total capacity of 335 MW took place.
The construction was followed by “Combined Block2” of the total capacity of 335 MW which was an urgent project according to the Power Development Plan (revision) to increase the electricity generation of EGAT. The power plant used natural gas from the Thai Gulf as fuel.
South Bangkok Combined Cycle Power Plant (Combined Block 3) or“ Combined Block3” of the total capacity of 767.60 MW could supply electricity to the system in August 2008. The power plant used natural gas as fuel which was transported from Myanmar via the pipeline of Sai Noi – South Bangkok Power Plant.
1992 Founding of EGAT’s affiliates
To strengthen the foundation for electricity, EGAT tried to raise fund to develop the electricity system of the country by establishing the following companies:
- Electricity Generating Public Company Ltd. (EGCO) (on 12 May,1992)
- Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Public Company Ltd. (RATCH) (on 7 March, 2000)
- District Cooling System and Power Plant Co., Ltd. (DCAP) (on 2 April 2003)
- EGAT International Co., Ltd. (EGATi) (on 18 December 2007)
- EGAT Diamond Service Co., Ltd. (EDS) (Started commercial operation on May 2011)
1994 Construction of Lamtakong JolabhaVadhana Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant Project (Blocks 1-4) which is “the first and the only underground powerhouse in Thailand”
The Cabinet approved the Project of Lamtakong Jolabha Vadhana Pumped- Storage Hydro Power Plant (Blocks 1-4) on 15 February 1994to generate electricity during the peak demand. After the construction, the power plant could supply electricity to the system in 2004. Lamtakong Jolabha Vadhana Pumped-Storage Hydro Power Plant is regarded as the first and the only underground power plant in Thailand. During the low demand of electricity, i.e. after midnight to dawn, the electricity will be used in pumping water from the former Lamtakong reservoir to be stored in the upper reservoir newly constructed on Yai Thiang Hill. Water is released down to turn on the generator to generate electricity during the peak period of each day. Lamtakong Jolabha Vadhana Power Plant helps to strengthen the power system of the Northeastern region and its vicinity.
Having seen the potential of wind turbines development project in the area of the upper reservoir of Lamtakong Jolabha Vadhana Power Plant, EGAT proposed a project of Lamtakong Wind Turbines Power Plant construction by using the technology of wind hydrogen hybrid and fuel cell which is a new technology of power storage used for the first time in Southeast Asia. The hydrogen hybrid and fuel cell which will help to stabilize electricity generation from the wind power are installed on 12 wind turbines of EGAT each of 2 MW totaling 24 MW. EGAT’s wind turbines are installed around the upper reservoir of Lamtakong Jolabha Vadhana Power Plant in Si Kiew District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
On 17 July 2009, His Majesty King Bhumibol graciously named the power plant “Lamtakong Jolabha Vadhana” meaning “Lamtakong Power Plant is the place of developing electric light by water”. It was the last power plant to receive the auspicious name in the reign of King Bhumibol. The power plant was opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 13 June 2013 on behalf of the King.
1996 EGAT proposed the project to construct new thermal power plants at the original site
EGAT proposed the new project to construct several thermal power plants at the former sites. The project received approval of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in 1997. The cabinet gave approval for the construction of Krabi Power Plant on 29 April 1997. The power plant started its commercial operation in 2004.
As an organization responsible for electricity acquisition and generation to meet the demand of the country, EGAT has a plan to build the following power plants:
- Krabi Power Plant
EGAT has modified the power generation system of Krabi Power Plant to be applicable to palm oil together with fuel oil to be in response to the government policy in valorization of palm oil at the government’s request. Since 30 September 1995, Krabi Power Plant has provided security to the power system and has the status of “reserved shutdown”.
- North Bangkok Power Plant
Being the master powerplant which is the beginning of modern age of electricity generation of Thailand, North Bangkok Power Plant had served the Thai society for more than 40 years. In 2001, the power plant was decommissioned and removed for the construction of the new power plant in December 2006. The new power plant was a combined cycle power plant using natural gas from Myanmar (western side) and the Thai Gulf (eastern side) as fuel. It was officially opened in September 2010. The second block was constructed, according to the Power Development Plan (2004 -2015) to meet the rising demand for electricity and the approval of the cabinet on10 July 2012. It could supply electricity to commercial operation on 15 January 2016.
- Chana Power Plant
Chana Power Plant consists of 2 blocks. The first block is a multi shaft combined cycle power plant which has started to supply electricity to commercial operation on 15 July 2008. Presently, it has been modified to use diesel oil as secondary fuel in case of the stop-over of the natural gas field. The second block is a single shaft combined cycle power plant which has started to supply electricity to commercial operation on 15 July 2014.
Chana Power Plant is included in the Power Development Plan (2004-2015) to strengthen the power security of the Lower South of Thailand which has a tendency to have continuous economic and industrial expansion with high investment resulting in higher demand for electricity. Natural gas from Malaysia – Thailand Joint Development Area (JDA-A18) and the Thai Gulf is used as fuel in electricity generation.
- Khanom Power Plant
Khanom Power Plant uses natural gas as fuel and will operate to support electricity system of the 2 power plants only at the peak period of each day, i.e. the power plant of Rajjaprabha Dam in Surat Thani Province of approximately 240 MW and the power plant of Bang Lang Dam in Yala Province of approximately 70 MW. As the amount of electricity to be supplied all day is less, surplus electricity of approximately 350 MW is transferred through high voltage transmission lines from the Central part to be in support. Moreover, EGAT has signed a purchase contract with Malaysia for electricity of 300 MW.
2004 Construction of commercial solar power plants
EGAT starts the construction of two commercial solar power plants, namely, Pha Bong Power Plant of 504 kV capacity in Mae Hong Son Province and solar power plant of Sirindhorn Dam of 1,000 kV capacity in Ubol Ratchathani Province which is the largest solar tracking system in Thailand.
In 2009, the project was registered as a project under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) by the CDM Executive Board of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It was the first CDM project of the government and the third project in the category of electricity generation by solar energy nationwide projects.
2008 Installation of the largest wind turbine in Thailand / Opening of EGAT Learning Center
- The largest Lamtakong wind turbines in Thailand
On 8 October 2008, two 1.25 MW wind turbines costing 145 million Baht were installed and were ready for commercial operation on 16 March 2009. They were regarded to be the largest wind turbines in Thailand. Later on, 12 additional wind turbines were installed making a total of 18 MW capacity. The beautiful scenery of a wind field has become a tourism spot of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. - Opening of EGAT Learning Centre
As a public enterprise in energy responsible for acquisition, generation and transmission of electricity all over the country and related business, EGAT intends to transfer the knowledge and more than half- a- century experiences in electricity which takes into account community and environment to the youth and the public through the learning centers on energy in Thailand and the world. The objective of the project is to take part in creating a “knowledge-based society in energy” through the following 8 countrywide EGAT Learning Centers:- EGAT Learning Center, Headquarters, Nonthaburi Province
- Mae Moh Mine Museum Lampang Province
- EGAT Learning Center Srinagarind Dam, Kanchanaburi Province
- EGAT Learning Center, Chana Songkhla Province
- EGAT Learning Center, Thapsakae, Prachuab Khirikhan Province
- EGAT Learning Center, Lam Takong, Nokhon Ratchasima Province
- EGAT Learning Center, Mae On, Chiang Mai Province
- EGAT Smart Grid Learning Center, Mae Hong Son, Mae Hong Son Province
EGAT Headquarters’ Learning Center in Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi Province was opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 9 June 2019.
2009 Construction of floating solar electricity generation system
EGAT has developed a model of floating solar electricity generation system at Srinagarind Dam, Kanachanaburi Province of 30.24 kV capacity to make a comparative study with the land solar system. Moreover, Tub Sakae solar power plant of 5 MW was built in Prachuab Kirikhan Province.
EleXA, an electric vehicle (EV) development team for commercial purpose was developed as a part of EGAT ProVenture EleXA and EGAT ProVenture Team established in July 2020. Its top vision is toexpedite the growth of EV business ecosystems by continuous technological development, cooperation with the allies in business innovation creation and investment in other business in addition to the former business through 4 main services, namely, EleXA, EleX by EGAT, BackEN and Wallbox.
With strong determination of the new generation entrepreneurs, the service has been designed to be customer-centered and dynamic, to build business allies with diverse industries in order to achieve the objectives of driving Thailand to sustainable energy and environmentally friendly approach.
2021 Beginning of Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid Project
The hydro-floating solar hybrid project is the combination of hydro power from the dam and solar energy from floating solar cell in the dam. This technology helps to solve the restriction concerning instability of renewable energy to supply electricity with full capacity and the most stability. With the hydro-floating solar hybrid, the dam will be able to generate electricity with the hydro power when the amount of water in the dam is sufficient. If water in the dam is limit, solar energy will be used to generate electricity in daytime and hydro power will be used at nighttime.
EGAT intends to install hydro-floating solar hybrid in all EGAT dams. As 2 pilot projects, a 45 MW hydro-floating solar hybrid was installed at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubol Ratchathani Province and a 24 MW hydro-floating solar hybrid was installed at Ubol Ratana Dam in Khon Kaen Province. After the completion of the projects, total amount of generated electricity will be 2,725 MW.
2022 Opening of Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid of Sirindhorn Dam “the largest Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid in the world”
On 22 July 2022, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn performed the opening of the hydro-floating solar hybrid of Sirindhorn Dam which is “the largest hydro-floating solar hybrid in the world”, and the clean energy which is environmental friendly, providing security to the power system and contributing to an aim of becoming the carbon-neutral society of Thailand.