Study finds environmental impact from Krabi coal power plant will be low

BANGKOK, 15 September 2015 (NNT) – A study into the potential environmental effects of the construction of a coal power plant in Krabi has concluded that its impact will not be substantial.

The study, conducted by Mahidol University's Institute for Population and Social Research, has determined that there will be a low level of impact on the environment and ecosystem, thanks to advanced technology which will be used in power generation at the coal power plant. It has also found that health risks to communities near the plant will be within the accepted standard.

Meanwhile, Anuchat Palakawong Na Ayutthaya, the director for environmental affairs at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, has indicated that construction of the coal power plant in Krabi will likely finish in 2020 instead of in 2019 as previously anticipated.

The delay is expected to detract from the southern region's energy security, as it is anticipated that by the year 2020 the region will require 3,200 megawatts of electricity generation whereas current output capacity stands at 2,500 megawatts.

According to him, Thailand will need to import liquefied natural gas to produce electricity if the coal power plant is not built, and that the importation will make the cost of power production go up by 1 to 1.50 baht per unit.


-- NNT 2015-09-15

So dirty coal wins! While other countries around the World are closing down coal plants, China and Thailand build more.

Backhanders from Indo for buying coal? Perish the thought!

I notice they don't call the "study" a formal EIA. I also wonder what the environmental expertise is within The Institute for Population and Social Research. Seems a bit opaque to me.

more madness

There is simply no basis for creditability to the Mahidol University study.

Who was involved in the study and more importantly, who financed the study?

Is the study available for public review?

If Prayut resorts to Article 44 to allow the project without transparency or accountability, then surely the residents should be very concerned for their well-being.