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EGAT announces commercial operation of hydro-floating solar hybrid at Ubol Ratana Dam

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EGAT announces commercial operation of hydro-floating solar hybrid at Ubol Ratana Dam
(photo courtesy EGAT)

The 24 MW hydro-floating solar hybrid project at Ubol Ratana Dam started commercial operation, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) announced.

The hydro-floating solar hybrid project, in Khon Kaen Province, integrates three clean energy sources: solar energy, hydropower and a battery energy storage system (BESS). It generates electricity from solar energy during the day and from hydropower at night, while the BESS will support continual electricity generation during the transition between the two energy sources. Moreover, energy management and weather forecast systems are incorporated to enhance stability of the electricity generation system by dealing with renewable energy limitations.

The solar panels cover less than 1% of the total reservoir surface area and are installed with suitable inclination to allow sunlight to penetrate the water surface without impacting the underwater ecosystem. In addition, the solar panels and floating platforms are made from environmentally friendly materials, EGAT said.

Dr. Jiraporn Sirikum, Deputy Governor – Power Business and Acting Governor of EGAT, made the announcement on March 5. Other attendees included Liu Hongmei, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Khon Kaen; project contractor MPD Consortium, comprising Mitr Phol Energy Services Co. Ltd., PEA ENCOM International Co. Ltd., and Dongfang Electric International Corporation; and EGAT executives.

This is EGAT’s second floating solar hybrid project developed in accordance with Thailand’s Power Development Plan B.E. 2561-2580, Revision 1. Under the plan, EGAT will develop 16 floating solar projects at nine dams with total installed capacity of 2,725 MW. The projects help reduce CO2 emissions in the generation process, mitigate global warming, comply with the global energy trend, and drive Thailand toward carbon neutrality.

In addition, EGAT places importance on the quality of life of people living in the vicinity of Ubol Ratana Dam, where most people are engaged in fishery. EGAT collaborated with Fisheries Research Center to promote the conservation of aquatic animal species. Each year, many million fish are released into the reservoir. EGAT also supports fish processing careers and plans to develop a solar-powered shrimp farm to promote shrimp farming so the communities can generate income and achieve self-reliance.