Bangkok: EGAT (Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand) is accelerating its study of SMR and hydrogen to achieve Thailand’s net-zero energy goal sooner, by 2050.
According to Thai News Agency, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is studying clean energy innovations, advances in SMR technology, and hydrogen energy in South Korea to contribute to energy security and drive the country towards Net Zero by 2050.
Mr. Warit Rattanachuen, Deputy Governor for Strategy of EGAT, revealed that a study trip to observe Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology at the Central Research Institute (CRI) of Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP), along with visits to the KEPCO Nuclear Fuel (KNF) nuclear fuel production plant and the hydrogen fuel cell production plant of Doosan Enerbility Co., Ltd., as well as knowledge exchange with energy partners, will take place from December 15-19, 2025, in South Korea. EGAT aims to drive the transition to clean and sustainable energy by increasing the proportion of electricity generation from renewable energy sources to more than 50%, as per the draft Power Development Plan (PDP2024). EGAT has already proceeded with several important projects, such as floating solar power projects in EGAT dams nationwide, grid modernization to accommodate the fluctuations in renewable energy, and the development of pumped-storage hydropower plants. Develop Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), includin
g SMR technology, to support the country in achieving its Net Zero goal by 2050.
The draft PDP 2024 plan stipulates the construction of two SMR power plants with a total generating capacity of 600 megawatts by 2037. EGAT closely monitors the development of SMR technology from various countries, collaborating with numerous government and private sector organizations, both domestic and international. These include the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, the U.S. Department of State, and most importantly, KHNP, in studying and transferring technical knowledge, as well as developing personnel to support Thailand’s SMR projects. KHNP is a world leader in nuclear technology with over 50 years of experience and operates the CRI center in Daejeon, a key research facility for next-generation reactor technologies and safety systems. Most recently, they developed the i-SMR technology, which uses water as a coolant, is installed underground, and features a passive safety system capable of automatic shutdown in emergencies without requiring electricity or human control. The
center also showcases a Smart City concept integrating i-SMR, renewable energy, and hydrogen to develop Daegu into a ‘Smart Net-Zero City,’ with a control center utilizing AI and ICT technology for comprehensive energy management.
South Korea is a leader in nuclear technology, ranking among the top 5 countries with the most nuclear power plants, totaling 26 plants, accounting for 30% of the country’s total electricity generation. All nuclear fuel is supplied by KNF, the country’s only nuclear fuel producer capable of producing fuel for both Light Water and Heavy Water reactors, meeting ISO 19443:2018 standards to support the international nuclear supply chain. Under the 11th National Energy Plan, there are plans to develop a 680 MWe SMR project using four modules of “i-SMR (Innovative Small Modular Reactor)” technology developed by leading South Korean conglomerates and research institutions under the i-SMR Consortium, aiming for the construction of the first plant and commercial operation by 2035.
Furthermore, EGAT places importance on hydrogen energy and has collaborated with several organizations, such as Doosan, to exchange knowledge on carbon-free energy technologies such as hydrogen, ammonia, and fuel cells. EGAT has studied the feasibility of blending 5% hydrogen with natural gas for electricity generation at six of its combined cycle power plants. Currently, the results of the study on the limitations of these power plants are being submitted to the EGAT board. In addition, EGAT is collaborating with leading Japanese companies, such as Mitsubishi (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (MCT), to study and develop hydrogen and ammonia fuel production on EGAT’s potential land areas.
South Korea is one of the leading developers of advanced hydrogen systems, under its Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, which covers production, transportation, storage, refueling stations, and energy applications. Numerous fuel cell power plants have been commercially developed, such as the Shinincheon Bitdream project, the world’s largest fuel cell power plant with a capacity of 78.96 megawatts, utilizing entirely Doosan technology.
‘SMR and hydrogen are alternative options that can help Thailand achieve its Net Zero goal faster, from 2065 to 2050. EGAT is ready to move forward in supporting this initiative with international partners to enhance Thailand’s energy security and become a leader in sustainable green energy,’ Mr. Warit said.