Myanmar's gas supply cut prompts more hydropower production in Thailand

BANGKOK, February 22 (TNA) - The state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand will soon release more water from western dams to boost the country's hydropower production to offset a cut in gas-generated power due to Myanmar's now-confirmed suspension of gas exports for maintenance of production bases from April 5-14 and to maintain national energy security. EGAT's Assistant Governor for Hydro Power Plants Kitti Tancharoen told reporters on Friday that up to 35 million cubic metres of water per day will be discharged from the Vajiralongkorn Dam, for instance, to support the increased hydropower production during the 10-day period, from April 5-14, representing an increase of 6 million cubic metres of water to be released per day from the dam under the normal situation. The EGAT assistant governor assured that the plan will not pose any problem to the Vajiralongkorn Dam, which still has ample water supply at 74 per cent of its full capacity currently, warning, however, that people and resorts in downstream low-lying areas to prepare for moving their belongings to higher grounds as a precaution although the water discharge will be conducted gradually, partly to prevent erosion along pass-by waterways. (TNA)