Controls and Automation

German President visits floating solar installation at Sirindhorn Dam

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German President visits floating solar installation at Sirindhorn Dam
(photo courtesy EGAT)

The President of the Federal Republic of Germany visited Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand, to witness the success of the world’s largest hydro-floating solar hybrid powerplant and exchange alternative energy cooperation, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand said.

The president’s aim is to achieve carbon neutrality in Germany.

H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the 45 MW hydro-floating solar hybrid project at Sirindhorn Dam to seek electric power cooperation and investment opportunities. He met with Captain Thamanat Phromphao, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives; Dr. Jiraporn Sirikum, Deputy Governor – Power Business and Acting Governor of EGAT; and others.

The President listened to the mission of EGAT and the overview of the project, which uses control system technology from Siemens. It is the largest hydro-floating solar hybrid project in the world and the first pilot project of EGAT to combine solar power and hydropower in order to lessen limitations of power generation that depends on weather conditions, according to a release.

EGAT has developed the energy management system (EMS) to make power generation efficient, prolong the generation duration, enhance the country’s security, and contribute to achieving the goal of carbon neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions of 47,000 tons/year. The project has been in commercial operation since October 2021.

The hydro-floating solar hybrid project at Sirindhorn Dam is one of the 16 projects developed at nine dams across the country with total generating capacity of 2,725 MW, in accordance with the Power Development Plan (2018-2037) Revision 1. EGAT places importance on developing electric power coupled with raising the quality of life sustainably.

This project is being developed into a new landmark of Ubon Ratchathani Province with a nature walkway located amid beautiful scenery. It also becomes a new learning center on renewable energy, creating jobs and income for the community and boosting provincial economy.

In May 2023, EGAT (in a consortium with MPD) reported it had signed a construction contract for a 24 MW hybrid hydro-floating solar project at Ubol Ratana Dam in Khon Kaen Province.