Thailand May Face Electricity Shortage In Future

[Pattaya_Fox]

Thailand may face electricity shortage in future

PATTAYA, Nov 4 (TNA) - Protests at the planned construction sites of several new electrical power generating plants in Thailand may cause the country to experience an electricity shortage as the demand the power is rising 1,400-1,600 MW annually, said outgoing Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) governor Kraisri Karnasutra on Sunday.

Mr. Kraisri, who will retire from his post on November 12, said at his farewell party that Thailand will encounter an electricity shortage without added generation plants being built.

Thailand has agreed to buy 7,000 MW of electricity from Laos and also has agreed in principle buying power from Cambodia, Myanmar, China and Malaysia.

However, Mr. Kraisri said the purchase agreements could stall if there is an international dispute between Thailand and the contracted countries. Most importantly, new employment will not be seen if construction of a new electricity plant does not proceed due to protests, while Thailand will have to pay money to its neighbouring countries nonetheless.

Construction of electricity plants in remote areas also causes loss of electricity, he said, due to losses encountered in long distance power transmission.

"Presently, coal, nuclear and natural gas-powered electricity plants are considered clean fuel, Mr. Kraisri said, "And the Energy Ministry has established a special fund to develop the areas around electricity plants.

"These areas will gain while the public will have sufficient electricity for use."

TNA

[stumonster]

"Presently, coal, nuclear and natural gas-powered electricity plants are considered clean fuel, Mr. Kraisri said, "And the Energy Ministry has established a special fund to develop the areas around electricity plants.

maybe he meant Hydro ? the only coal fired power station I have worked at was a very dirty workplace , and you needed to cover your car in the carpark if you were concerned about its paintjob.

[Martin]

In one way or another, either working in it or teaching about it, I have been associated associated with the Electrical Supply Industry for the past 45 years.

I have yet to meet anybody fromthe industry who said: "Please be less wasteful with our product. A modicum of thought about being sensibly thrifty and frugal in your use of electrical energy would save you a lot of money, and we would not have to build so many more power stations".

But that is what needs to be said.

Incidentally, his figure of 1,400 to 1,600 MW per annum for the future additional requirement should be disputed vigorously. Examination of how it was arrived at would show that that is what extra they could expect to sell in the future if economic growth continues as it has been doing, and they could generate at their present costs and sell at their present prices.'Tain't gonna happen.

[Moruya]

I guess K. Karnasutra finds himself in a difficult position.