Thailand launches revolutionary nuclear power plan: Is the solution to electricity needs coming?

Thailand launches revolutionary nuclear power plan: Is the solution to electricity needs coming?

Thailand plans to use small modular reactors (SMRs) to stabilize electricity supplies and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Leading energy companies such as Ratch Group and Global Power Synergy Plc are already showing interest in this new nuclear technology. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to reduce CO₂ emissions and find sustainable alternatives to conventional coal and gas power plants. To test the feasibility of SMRs for the Thai energy market, Global Power Synergy has already commissioned a corresponding feasibility study.

A seminar entitled “A Global Dialogue on SMR Deployment” will be held in Bangkok on July 16, where SMR technology will be comprehensively discussed. The SMRs are characterized by a maximum output of up to 300 megawatts per unit, which is only about a third of the capacity of conventional nuclear power plants.

Integration into the Power Development Plan

The current Power Development Plan (PDP) envisages that some SMRs will be built in the next few years. Specifically, two plants with 300 megawatts each are planned to go into operation towards the end of the plan, which runs until 2037. The Thai Ministry of Energy is currently studying the possibility of developing these small nuclear power plants to promote the use of clean energy.

The state-owned energy producer Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is entrusted with the development and operation of these reactors. Between 2009 and 2011, EGAT had already drawn up plans for traditional nuclear power plants in northeast and southern Thailand, but these were abandoned after the Fukushima disaster in 2011.

Secure technology and challenges

Modern SMRs are equipped with passive safety systems that are designed to prevent overheating even during power outages. Despite these technological advances, popular acceptance of nuclear power remains uncertain, with many Thais skeptical. The cost of SMRs is also currently higher than that of solar energy or gas-fired power plants.

However, in the future, SMRs could cover up to 10% of Thailand's electricity needs. The realization of these plans depends critically on the outcome of the feasibility studies, which are expected to be completed by September this year before the approval of the PDP by the National Energy Policy Council.

Expected tariffs for electricity generated by SMRs are listed at about three baht per kilowatt-hour, slightly higher than prices for larger nuclear power plants. Globally, global SMR capacity is also expected to increase to 22 gigawatts by the first quarter of 2024, an increase of 65% compared to 2021.

How wochenblitz.com reported, an investment volume of around 176 billion US dollars (6.3 trillion baht) is expected for the new SMR projects. This technology is gaining global importance as it helps combat global warming by not causing air pollution or CO₂ emissions, as is the case with fossil fuels.

The Thai government is faced with an important decision that could have a significant impact not only on the country's energy supply, but also on environmental and climate protection, while dealing with the concerns and skepticism of the population. Additional information is provided thethaiger.com.