BANGKOK – The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) has announced plans to transform three additional hydropower dams into large-scale energy storage facilities, or “batteries,” as part of a 90-billion-baht investment to support Thailand’s clean energy initiatives. This project aims to address power supply gaps caused by intermittent solar and wind energy, explained Tawatchai Sumranwanich, Egat’s deputy governor.
The initiative involves converting Chulabhorn Dam in Chaiyaphum, Vajiralongkorn Dam in Kanchanaburi, and Kathun Dam in Nakhon Si Thammarat into pumped storage hydropower (PSH) facilities. The PSH technology, which Egat successfully implemented at Lamtakong Jolabha Vadhana Dam, stores energy by moving water between reservoirs at different elevations. When electricity demand is low, excess energy pumps water to the upper reservoir, which is then released to generate electricity during high-demand periods.
The dams will add substantial clean energy to the grid, with capacities of 801MW, 891MW, and 780MW, respectively. Scheduled for commercial operation in the mid-2030s, these projects are expected to help meet the national power demand at a low generation cost of two baht per kilowatt-hour.
Egat’s feasibility study and environmental impact assessment for Chulabhorn Dam received approval from Thailand’s National Environmental Board in April. Once all studies conclude, Egat will submit the findings to the Energy Ministry and the cabinet for final approval, aligning the project with Thailand’s 2024 Power Development Plan for renewable energy expansion.
