CK Power Plc (CKP) Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) have forged a partnership to bring the first solar-powered mass transit rail systems to Thailand.

 

The collaboration aims to utilise solar energy to power the MRT Chalerm Ratchamonkol Line (MRT Blue Line) and the MRT Chalong Ratchadham Line (MRT Purple Line) which, combined, span over 71 kilometres and have 54 stations across Bangkok and Nonthaburi.

 

The solar transit partnership entails that 452 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of power will be supplied to the two MRT lines over a span of up to 25 years. The amount equates to 12% of the total anticipated power consumption of the lines, according to CKP managing director Thanawat Trivisvavet.

 

CKP will bring in engineering expertise for system design, installation, and construction, along with comprehensive post-installation maintenance services. This solar transit railway project is expected to be ready for expansion. The design work is set to be completed by January next year, with construction beginning in February of the same year. The first delivery of electricity under commercial operations is slated for August next year, with various other phases commencing through February 2025.

 

by Alex Morgan

Photo: Bangkok Post

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/ckp-and-bem-partner-for-thailands-first-solar-powered-mass-transit-rail

 

-- The Thaiger 2023-08-30

 

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New technology and Thailand don't usually mix very well. I wonder what the rake off is? 20% 30%. Nice little earner on the procurement.

Yeah, find out who these two are connected to all of a sudden. This smells like pork barrel level shenanigans.

Solar powered trains?

 

They have had taxi meters for what, 30 years now, and most of them don't work.

 

"Sorry, no trains today, sun not shine".

 

Mind you, it would make a change from wrong kind of snow, or leaves on the line!

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The amount equates to 12% of the total anticipated power consumption of the lines

Seems hardly worth the expense.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

first solar-powered mass transit rail systems to Thailand.

 

Like those now running in India - without balloons and bunting of course??

 

 

https://www.mechanical-farm.com/solar-train/