The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), a state-owned enterprise, is looking to develop a flexible power generation system to tackle unstable power generation from renewable Energy sources. With renewable power generation and distribution increasing nation-wide the growth curve is expected to approximate a duck curve, which results from imbalance between peak demand and renewable Energy production. For instance, peak power demand occurs after sunset, when solar power is no longer available. Some provincial areas have seen a duck curve power distribution several times the past months, with renewable power on the grid at 10,000 megawatts – 20% of total power generation. Household rooftops are projected to account for another 10,000 MW of capacity from 2019-2037.
The governor of EGAT stated the company will implement a digital power system using equipment that can forecast and estimate power supply and demand via IoT (Internet-of-Things) and use satellites to forecast the weather in case power transmission lines are interrupted, thus preventing the possibility of a blackout. EGAT is using big data technologies to store all data systematically and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze and process operations tin order to enable high efficiency and availability of the power plants. This AI system will be exploited for the first time at North Bangkok and Chana power plants. In addition, EGAT is cooperating with MEA and PEA to establish the National Energy Trading Platform, and EGAT will be the center for data management of the country.
EGAT also aims to develop consistent transmission network that can connect with neighboring countries in order to expand the regional grid connectivity and support the role of Thailand as the hub for ASEAN Power Grid. Initially, a multilateral power trade has been initiated between 3 countries; Lao PDR, Thailand and Malaysia. The trading amount will be further increased from 100 to 300 MW, and the cooperation will be expanded to 4 parties (LTMS) in the future. The transmission interconnection between Lao PDR, Thailand and Myanmar under Eastern-Western Economic Corridor connecting is among these interconnection projects.
EGAT plans to spend THB 165 million (USD 5.24 million) to develop a new power generation system at Wang Noi, a gas-fired power plant, followed by Songkhla’s Chana and the North Bangkok power plants in the next phase of the flexible power system. Moreover, the company is developing an Energy storage system in Lop Buri and Chaiyaphum with respective capacities of 16 MW and 21 MW, to harness Energy from the wind and solar farms located there. Plans are being implemented from 2018-2037 to reach a total capacity of 8,300 MW distributed over eight new power plants.
(Sources: Egat.com; The Bangkok Post)
