In response to the government's net-zero carbon emissions target, the National Power Supply Company (NPS) in Thailand officially commenced commercial operations for the first and second phases of its largest floating solar power plant in October 2023. The cumulative installed capacity has reached 60 MW. NPS has indicated that another facility is currently under construction, and if it becomes operational smoothly next year, the total installed capacity could reach 150 MW.
NPS commenced commercial operations for its largest floating solar power plant in Prachinburi province. (Photo: NPS)
NPS continues to promote floating solar power plants in Prachinburi province, divided into 3 phases. Currently, 2 phases have been completed. In addition to aligning with the government's target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and greenhouse gas net-zero emissions by 2065, this initiative also meets the demand for clean energy within the 304 Industrial Park.
NPS Chairman Yothin Dumnerncharnvanit expressed that over the past 2-3 years, due to the U.S.-China trade war and various countries' economic sanctions, many European and Asia-Pacific enterprises have relocated their production bases to the 304 Industrial Park. Additionally, in order to demonstrate their commitment to addressing climate change and environmental impact to customers, the manufacturing industry has gradually expanded the use of clean energy. NPS has adjusted its corporate strategy to reduce dependence on imported fuels. By converting the 7th and 8th coal-fired power plants to use biomass fuels, the company has successfully reduced coal consumption, leading to a significant 50% decrease in coal imports.
Yotin stated, "the first two phases of the floating solar power plants officially commenced commercial operations this October, generating a total of 60 MW. In addition, the ongoing construction of the third phase with a capacity of 90 MW is expected to be completed by 2024. After its completion, NPS's total installed capacity for floating solar power plants will reach 150 MW, increasing the company's overall electricity production capacity from 770 MW to 920 MW. NPS aims to lower fuel costs, meet the demand for clean energy within the 304 Industrial Park, and attract more customers through this strategy."
(Photo: NPS)
The NPS Group primarily operates in power generation, industrial steam production, and industrial water supply. In the power generation sector, the company has a total of 13 power plants in Thailand, with a combined installed capacity of 830.7 MW and a steam production rate of 2,661.8 tons per hour. The water supply business includes reservoirs and industrial water filtration plants, with a daily production capacity of 160,000 cubic meters.
In addition, to expand its energy business, NPS acquired the French biomass energy company, Biomass Energies d’Alizay (BEA) in April 2023. This acquisition provides an opportunity for NPS to invest in establishing facilities in France and Europe. Furthermore, NPS has entered into a joint venture with an Independent Power Producer (IPP) to construct a combined-cycle power plant with an installed capacity of 600 MW. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027, with plans to sell the generated electricity to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.
