Thailand Eyes 300 MW Small Nuclear Reactor in Power Push
Thailand's electricity authority is pursuing small modular nuclear reactors with a target capacity of 300 megawatts as part of its 2026 power development plan, requiring roughly a decade of preparation. The agency is simultaneously upgradin
Narintr Phaowanitchakul, governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), announced the agency is moving forward with research and development of small modular reactors (SMRs) included in Thailand's 2026 Power Development Plan (PDP 2026). EGAT has established a dedicated unit to oversee the initiative and will draw on data from nuclear projects conducted roughly a decade ago, working alongside the Ministry of Energy, the Office of Atoms for Peace, the National Nuclear Technology Institute, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The SMR project is expected to require approximately ten years of preparation covering technology and legal frameworks, with an initial target capacity of around 300 megawatts, though officials want to accelerate the timeline. Investment costs are expected to decrease by the time the project launches, with detailed investment figures to be finalized later.
Simultaneously, EGAT is accelerating upgrades to the power grid to accommodate data center growth. Officials noted that 2570 (2027) will be a critical year for transmission system upgrades, particularly in the eastern region. Capacity increased by 550 megawatts in early 2027, is expected to reach 900 megawatts by year end, with further expansion planned for 2570. Nationwide, EGAT projects adding over 1,000 megawatts of capacity by upgrading main transmission lines from four to six lanes, bringing total capacity to over 2,000 megawatts. The agency is also implementing Smart Grid initiatives across five core pillars, including establishing a Renewable Energy Forecast Center and Demand Response Control Center to manage renewable energy fluctuations. Battery storage systems totaling 37 megawatts are already installed, with plans to expand by approximately 200 megawatts by end of 2570. The investment budget for 2570 is estimated at 450,000 million baht, subject to revision as needed.
As co-host of Gastech 2026 (September 14-17, 2027 at BITEC Bangkok), EGAT is presenting its energy system development roadmap under the theme "Bridging the Next Energy Era," highlighting its role in transitioning from current energy systems to future ones while ensuring energy security, moving toward low-carbon energy, and adopting emerging technologies. Key initiatives include Grid Modernization, connecting regional power systems through the ASEAN Power Grid, and researching low-carbon technologies including hydrogen, biomass, and SMRs—which EGAT views as a promising clean energy alternative. The agency is also participating in an "Electrification Theatre" forum for discussions on generation, transmission, distribution systems and grid technology, focusing on developing resilient and flexible infrastructure to meet rising electricity demand driven by AI and data center expansion—key challenges for Thailand's power system in the coming years.
