EGAT’s Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid Project begins commercial operation
Published by Sarah Smith,
Assistant Editor
Energy Global,
Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) revealed that the 45-MW Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid Project at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand began commercial operation on October 31, 2021 to enhance the country’s power system security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 47 000 tpy, and provide clean energy to help mitigate global warming. Mr. Sara Suwannarat, Director of the Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission 5 (Ubon Ratchathani); Mr. Thanakorn Sornart, Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Energy; Mr. Wanchai Photthihansa, project manager from the contract company, B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited; and EGAT executives joined the commercial operation date (COD) opening ceremony held in a meeting room at Chang Noi Building, Sirindhorn Dam, Ubon Ratchathani Province.
Due to the project’s success, EGAT will follow through with the next 24-MW project at Ubol Ratana Dam in the Khon Kaen Province, Thailand and other projects on EGAT dams nationwide totalling 15 projects, to reach total capacity of 2725 MW so that Thailand can achieve the goal of net zero emissions and become a sustainable low-carbon society.
The main feature of the Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid Project at Sirindhorn Dam is it can generate electricity from both solar power during the day and hydropower from the existing dam when there is no sunlight, or during peak power demand at night time. The power plant is controlled and managed by an energy management system (EMS) along with a weather forecast system to increase the stability of the power system; therefore, it can generate electricity longer and lower the limitations of renewable energy. In the future, EGAT plans to build a renewable energy control centre that uses artificial intelligence to increase power generation efficiency.
The power plant has seven sets of solar panels installed on the water surface of less than 1% of the entire reservoir. The solar panels and floating platforms are all eco-friendly and do not affect the underwater environment. Moreover, using the existing transmission system, electrical equipment, and the water surface of Sirindhorn Dam to its full potential can help save money and expenses, leading to lower electricity cost. The solar panels were placed at an angle with space between the panel and platform so sunlight can pass through into the water, thereby not affecting the underwater environment. Placing solar panels on the water surface also helps reduce the panels’ heat, making it 10 - 15% more efficient than solar panels installed on land, and reduces water evaporation in the dam by approximately 460 000 m3/yr.
For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.
Energy Global's Autumn 2021 issue
The Autumn issue of Energy Global features a varied spectrum of in-depth technical articles detailing recent projects, future projections, and technological advancements in the renewables sector, from companies including MISTRAS Group, Fugro, X1 Wind, Sulzer, and more.
Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/special-reports/10112021/egats-hydro-floating-solar-hybrid-project-begins-commercial-operation/
You might also like
SBM Offshore and Technip Energies sign partnership agreement to form EkWiL
SBM Offshore and Technip Energies have signed a memorandum of understanding for the creation of a floating offshore wind joint venture entity, EkWiL.