Thai utility EGAT launches tender for 58.5 MW floating project

The state-owned Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has issued an invitation for bids for a 55.5 MW (DC) floating PV project it intends to build at the Sirindhorn Dam, where the 12 MW Sirindhorn Hydropower Plant, is located on the Lam Dom Noi river in the Sirindhorn district of Ubon Ratchathani.

The company said in the announcement that the project will be financed with its own funds, and that it will be built at a cost of THB 1.86 billion ($59.6 million).

The project is expected to rely on glass-glass crystalline silicon modules, while developers will be offered the choice between central and string inverters. Bids must be submitted to the utility by August 20.

Floating pipeline

The project is one of two floating projects that EGAT announced in late January. A second 24 MW (AC) project is planned for the Ubolratana Dam in Khok Sung in the Ubolratana district of Khon Kaen province in Northern Thailand. The dam is home to the first hydroelectric power project developed in Thailand’s northeastern area of Isan.

Thailand’s National Energy Policy Council decided to approve both projects, while also revealing these would be built for $1 million per megawatt.

EGAT operates 45 power generation assets totaling 15.54 GW. Of these, three are thermal, six combined cycle gas turbines, 24 hydropower, eight renewable energy and four diesel. The company has a 37% share of Thailand’s power market.