EGAT goes ahead solar cell project on water surface

BANGKOK, April 25 (TNA) – The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) plans to install solar panels on buoys at reservoirs for electricity generation from green energy. Saharath Boonpotipukdee, EGAT’s Deputy Governor-Renewable and New Energy said that the agency in response to the energy ministry’s policy will adjust the plan to produce electricity from solar energy at the cost of less than 2.40 baht per unit. However, it will stick to the plan to purchase solar panels from domestic sellers, which cost 40 per cent higher than the products, sold by overseas producers. The EGAT will start the project at the Sirindhorn dam in Ubon Ratchathani, he said. It will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Siam Cement Group (SCG), Thailand's largest cement maker and industrial conglomerate in May to conduct a feasibility study in the buoy installation for solar panels at the reservoir. - (TNA)