The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has started electricity generation at its hydro-floating solar hybrid project on the Sirindhorn Dam in the north-eastern province of Ubon Ratchathani.
The project is reputed to be the world’s largest of its kind and employs double glass solar panels, which are resistant to humidity, fitted on high density polyethylene buoys floating on 72 hectares of the surface of the dam. It has the capacity to generate 45 megawatts of clean electricity.
According to EGAT, the project is divided into five zones which, combined, occupying only 1% of the surface of the dam. All the materials used are safe and environmentally friendly.
EGAT claims that the panels generate electricity 10-15% more efficiently than land-based solar panels and they also help to reduce water evaporation in the dam.
Incorporated in its nineteen-year electricity generation development plan since 2018, EGAT plans to launch 15 similar projects in nine of Thailand’s nine reservoirs, with a combined generation capacity of 2,725 megawatts, to promote the development of renewable energy in Thailand.
Each project can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 47,000 tonnes a year.
