57 Years of EGAT Commitment to Energy Security as Clean Energy Push Moves to Cabinet
EGAT plans to submit floating solar projects at three major dams with combined capacity of 1,638 megawatts to cabinet for approval, part of Thailand's push to shift toward clean energy and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
Narinthron Pao-vanich, governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), stated that the recent energy crisis highlights the urgent need for Thailand to increase electricity production from clean energy sources while reducing reliance on imported fuels. EGAT is preparing to submit to the cabinet for approval floating solar projects at three major dams—Bhumibol in Tak, Srinakarin and Vachiralongkorn in Kanchanaburi—with a combined capacity of 1,638 megawatts.
The agency is developing large-scale energy storage systems such as pumped-storage hydroelectric plants, which have low per-unit electricity production costs and can immediately replace renewable energy fluctuations. The Chulachomklao pumped-storage plant in Chaiyaphum is currently awaiting cabinet approval, while the Vachiralongkorn facility in Kanchanaburi is preparing for its second public consultation meeting this year.
EGAT is also modernizing electrical grids and upgrading transmission systems to manage increasing renewable energy variability, particularly to support digital industry growth in the Eastern Economic Corridor. High-voltage substations including Pangtong, Sattahip 1 and 2 in Chachoengsao and Rayong 2 in Rayong are targeted for completion by 2026.
The agency is exploring new low-carbon sustainable energy sources including hydrogen, ammonia, carbon capture technology for combined heat and power plants, and small modular reactors, along with alternatives like biomethane and e-methane. EGAT also plans to increase cross-border electricity trading through the LTMS-PIP Phase 2 project with Laos, Malaysia and Singapore from the current 100 megawatts to a maximum of 200 megawatts, advancing the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.
On EGAT's 57th anniversary, Governor Narinthron pledged to remain a pillar of electricity security for Thai people amid global energy volatility and economic slowdown. Thailand must maintain continuous electricity supply at reasonable costs with sustainable business practices following circular economy principles. These include utilizing byproducts from Mae Mao power plant operations such as fly ash concrete and humic soil amendments, as well as extracting black mass from used electric vehicle batteries.
EGAT continues supporting communities and environmental protection through its shared value creation program, implementing the "100 Years of HM King's Birth Anniversary Project" in partnership with Chai Pattana and Utok Development Foundations, applying principles from the royal development philosophy and sufficiency economy to improve community quality of life.
