Pattaya Wind Turbine Project Abandoned; New Landmark Proposed

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Opt News

 

A 95 million baht renewable energy project in Pattaya has been abandoned after years of neglect, leaving its wind turbines in a state of disrepair. Initially intended to alleviate energy shortages and boost tourism, this once-ambitious project has now become a symbol of squandered potential and oversight.

 

Back in 2006, Pattaya Municipality, in partnership with Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, initiated the installation of wind turbines and solar panels on Koh Larn, just off Pattaya's coast. The objective was to generate 200 kilowatts of electricity to power wastewater systems and streetlights on the island. Plans also included crafting a control centre and a ray fish-shaped tourism exhibition building.

 

Picture courtesy: Opt News

 

However, this promising endeavour soon hit hurdles. With 45 wind turbines poised to produce clean energy, the system demanded extensive maintenance. Sadly, the project went neglected, resulting in non-functional turbines. By 2015, the facility was completely deserted, infrastructure decaying where it stood.

Recognising the venture's failure, Pattaya authorities are now pivoting towards repurposing the site as a tourist destination. Offering stunning views of the sea and Koh Larn, the area remains a popular choice for tourists seeking Instagram-worthy backdrops. The city aims to remodel the site, preserving the turbines as an evocative visual feature without linking them to energy production.

 

Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai acknowledged maintenance issues led to the project's demise. He outlined plans to transform the site into a tourist "check-in" point, enhancing its natural allure while renovating the turbines aesthetically.

 

The design proposal for the new landmark is nearly ready, slated for council presentation soon. If approved, the redevelopment will shift the narrative from failed energy project to significant tourist attraction, revitalising Pattaya and Koh Larn's appeal, reported Pattaya Mail.

 

-- 2024-11-13

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

11 minutes ago, webfact said:

become a symbol of squandered potential and oversight.

No oversight by the sound of it.

Just too much money syphoned off the project.

Those wind turbines look very under spec'd for commercial ones.

[billd766]

Here is a bottomless money bucket, money is poured in and simply wasted on maintenance.

 

I am sure that a better use can be found for the money,

 

After all my Benz is nearly a year old and needs replacing soon.

[pattayasan]

Almost 20 years ago. There's no indication it was a lot of money. Wind farms don't do well in the tropics.

[chickenslegs]

The project achieved its only objective.

95MB of public money was shared proportionately according to rank and position.

 

[ozz1]

How do they think that will boost tourism crazy

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

A 95 million baht renewable energy project in Pattaya has been abandoned after years of neglect, leaving its wind turbines in a state of disrepair. Initially intended to alleviate energy shortages and boost tourism, this once-ambitious project has now become a symbol of squandered potential and oversight.

The op photo makes the wind farm look more like a childrens play area.

[Snackbar]

No mention of Asian ‘Face’ saving. Garbage

[jcmj]

They should not spend millions of baht on any project that requires maintenance unless they have an airtight contract that specifically requires maintenance and funds to support it. They can’t even get the roads and sidewalks done properly and maintained. Just another way to make money off the people. 

[pattayasan]

16 minutes ago, jcmj said:

They should not spend millions of baht on any project that requires maintenance unless they have an airtight contract that specifically requires maintenance and funds to support it. They can’t even get the roads and sidewalks done properly and maintained. Just another way to make money off the people. 

 

Because coal and gas fired stations require less maintenance? sheesh.

[edwinchester]

I can't wait to take my grandkids on a trip to a derelict wind farm on their next visit to Thailand.

[mikebell]

95 million says it all about Thai corruption.  There are numerous planning meetings/feasibility studies/free lunches/travel expenses which all end in nothing with no accountability.  Have we had the annual monorail one yet? 

[Jim Blue]

Saw this so many times in the Middle East  I thought Thais were different !

[watchcat]

17 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Those wind turbines look very under spec'd for commercial ones.

 

And that's putting it mildly.

[NoDisplayName]

17 hours ago, webfact said:

initiated the installation of wind turbines and solar panels on Koh Larn, just off Pattaya's coast.

 

18 hours ago, webfact said:

Recognising the venture's failure, Pattaya authorities are now pivoting towards repurposing the site as a tourist destination.

 

Hey, there's a thought!

Let's repurpose a tropical island as a tourist destination!

 

[NoDisplayName]

17 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

No oversight by the sound of it.

Just too much money syphoned off the project.

Those wind turbines look very under spec'd for commercial ones.

 

They've essentially "invented" what the Chinese are installing in coastal cities, at a cost of $1K/unit.

 

https://hyenergy.en.made-in-china.com/product/sMNmTJdUCehz/China-Wind-Solar-Hybrid-Street-Light-LED.html

 

Reminds me of the off-the-shelf litter collection robot they slapped a "Made in Thailand" sticker on, and announced the new title of "Hub of Seaside Robotics."

[PETERTHEEATER]

8 hours ago, ozz1 said:

How do they think that will boost tourism crazy

Tourists will come to gape at the skeletons of rare birds littering the ground after having flown into the wind blades when they were working.

[khunPer]

20 hours ago, webfact said:

With 45 wind turbines poised to produce clean energy, the system demanded extensive maintenance.

Surprise...

[sammieuk1]

Surely the best place for a wind farm here would be in outside Prawit's back door 🤔

[thaipo7]

I wonder what the return was for 95 million?  Sounds like what the Democrats do in the US with billionaire donors.  They let the billionaires set up the business of wind farms and EV cars and solar panel companies, giving them the money to set them up with a lot going bankrupt but the Government ensures the billionaires they will lose nothing.  Good deal.  Plus you don't get investigated or government agencies are not set out on you like they do to large donors to Trump.