Bangkok: The 17th Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Mr. Narin Paowanit, is advancing efforts to reduce electricity production costs by implementing the “SENSE” working principle to align with Thailand’s energy plan. This initiative aims to achieve energy that is stable, sustainable, and fair by accelerating long-term LNG procurement and investing in power infrastructure to support data centers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narin, upon assuming his role, emphasized the importance of pivoting towards renewable energy to meet Thailand’s Net Zero goal by 2050. EGAT is transitioning from merely producing power to ensuring the security of the Thai power system and leading the country’s shift to clean energy and AI technologies. By 2026, EGAT plans to invest over 22 billion baht in upgrading construction, transmission systems, and enhancing power plant stability, including a floating solar cell project at the Bhumibol Dam in Tak Province. EGAT is also progressing with floating solar cell projects across several dams, amassing a generating capacity of 1,638 megawatts.
EGAT is acquiring liquefied natural gas (LNG) through long-term contracts, procuring 1 million tons per year at lower costs than short-term contracts, which will reduce electricity production expenses and provide cheaper electricity to the public.
Furthermore, EGAT is investigating sustainable, low-carbon energy options, such as hydrogen fuel. They are blending hydrogen with natural gas at a 5% ratio and assessing the feasibility of this system at six combined cycle power plants. EGAT is also exploring hydrogen and ammonia fuel production to cut carbon emissions and is promoting SMR power plants for stable, clean, and cost-effective energy solutions.
To enhance power system flexibility in response to renewable energy fluctuations, EGAT is modernizing the grid. They plan three pumped storage hydropower projects and the development of energy storage batteries. Additionally, EGAT aims to establish a Renewable Energy Forecast Center and improve power transmission to integrate renewable energy and expand the digital industry in the Eastern Economic Corridor.
EGAT is preparing for increased electricity demand from data centers, which are anticipated to require 1,750 MW by end of 2026 and potentially 3,817 MW in the future. Significant investments and improvements in the power transmission system, especially in the Eastern region, are underway with a budget of 3 billion baht and future plans amounting to 30.5 billion baht by 2030.
Mr. Narin articulated EGAT’s vision beyond being a “power producer for stability,” aspiring to lead Thailand’s energy transition with clean energy and advanced technology. The SENSE approach, which stands for Safety Operation, Energy Security, Naturality, Social Responsibility, and Energy Affordability, will guide EGAT’s mission for a stable, sustainable, and fair energy future for Thailand.