Thailand Considers Nuclear Energy as Gas Supplies Dwindle

[webfact]

File photo for reference only. Courtesy: wikimedia

 

Thailand's journey towards nuclear energy takes centre stage as the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) delves into a proposed small modular reactor (SMR) project.

 

With domestic gas shortages looming, the nation is looking to supplement its energy mix amidst unsuccessful negotiations with Cambodia over joint petroleum production in a contested area of the Gulf of Thailand.

 

The overlapping claims area (OCA) has the potential to yield a new gas field, but progress has been marred by concerns that the 2001 memorandum of understanding could undermine Thailand's control over Koh Kut island, a picturesque tourist spot.

 

Faced with diminishing natural gas reserves, Thailand's ambition to shore up its energy sources is evident in the 2024 power development plan, which emphasises clean energy.

 

Small modular reactors, offering up to 300 megawatts of power each, present a nuclear alternative, these reactors promise a third of the capacity of traditional nuclear power plants but with a potentially less invasive footprint.

Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, chief of the ERC, revealed plans for a collaboration with the Office for Atoms for Peace, with a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore the nuclear venture.

 

According to insiders, the 2024 development plan, extending through 2037, envisions the installation of two SMRs, each designed to deliver 300 megawatts, by the plan's conclusion.

 

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) will lead this nuclear initiative, supported by insights from a 125-MW SMR project in Hainan, China. EGAT governor Thapparat Theppitak, impressed by the advanced technology, dubbed SMRs a "game changer" for the global energy landscape.

 

While the cost of SMRs currently outweighs that of combined-cycle power plants, Thapparat believes prices will drop, and their 60-year lifespan offers a significant advantage over the 25-year average of gas or coal-fired plants.

 

As Thailand grapples with these intricate energy challenges, the ERC's nuclear strategy could redefine the nation's power landscape.

 

-- 2024-11-15

 

 

[lordgrinz]

This seriously increases the odds of Thailand experiencing a Nuclear Disaster in the near future. I mean, if we take into consideration how they have run everything else, this should be easy money for bettors.

[JoePai]

Let RR build, supply AND run it then all would be good

[StraightTalk]

52 minutes ago, webfact said:

The overlapping claims area (OCA) has the potential to yield a new gas field, but progress has been marred by concerns that the 2001 memorandum of understanding could undermine Thailand's control over Koh Kut island, a picturesque tourist spot.

This is indeed a blessing in disguise, as the risk of potential crude oil spills is very real and could be disastrous for Koh Kut Island and its surrounding areas.

 

54 minutes ago, webfact said:

Small modular reactors, offering up to 300 megawatts of power each, present a nuclear alternative, these reactors promise a third of the capacity of traditional nuclear power plants but with a potentially less invasive footprint

I hope this plan comes to fruition, as it offers a sensible approach to addressing the ever-increasing demand for power.

 

55 minutes ago, webfact said:

While the cost of SMRs currently outweighs that of combined-cycle power plants, Thapparat believes prices will drop, and their 60-year lifespan offers a significant advantage over the 25-year average of gas or coal-fired plants.

The EGAT governor would benefit from consulting with highly qualified accountants to develop a more precise quantitative assessment of potential future savings and price reductions.

 

Also, Bill Gates, the owner of TerraPower, and his nuclear scientists have been working on next-generation nuclear technology for quite some time.
https://www.gatesnotes.com/Wyoming-TerraPower-groundbreaking

[Emdog]

One surefire way to get me to leave Thailand and move somewhere up wind is Thais having reactors.  So many ways to cut corners, endanger current and future lives due to mai pen rai attitude... nope I'd be gone.

And how about handling the nuke waste from small reactors: seems ideal situation for those who may wish to make a dirty bomb. A well placed bribe or two and away you go.

[ravip]

15 minutes ago, Emdog said:

One surefire way to get me to leave Thailand and move somewhere up wind is Thais having reactors.  So many ways to cut corners, endanger current and future lives due to mai pen rai attitude... nope I'd be gone.

And how about handling the nuke waste from small reactors: seems ideal situation for those who may wish to make a dirty bomb. A well placed bribe or two and away you go.

If Thailand is so risky, why wait for the reactors to arrive?

It's always advisable to do your research before moving into a country.

Wild speculations and accusations are of no use to anyone.

[daveAustin]

37 minutes ago, Emdog said:

One surefire way to get me to leave Thailand and move somewhere up wind is Thais having reactors.  So many ways to cut corners, endanger current and future lives due to mai pen rai attitude... nope I'd be gone.

And how about handling the nuke waste from small reactors: seems ideal situation for those who may wish to make a dirty bomb. A well placed bribe or two and away you go.

I’m sure they’ll miss you. ‘They’ said similar when the Skytrain was built and Suvarnabhumi Airport. Some very capable engineers here and this kind of venture would likely be well safeguarded and have international help. 

[John Drake]

The plans are already on the books. 

 

Sure, here you go.