MEA signs pact to study waste-to-energy power project
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority and New Sky Energy (Thailand) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to study the option of building a waste-to-energy plant.
The plant, to be built as part of a Thailand-China cooperation, is part of a micro-grid pilot project that aims to expand alternative energy usage in metropolitan areas as well as promote environmental protection.
The MoU was signed by MEA governor Kirapat Jiamset and New Sky Energy (Thailand)’s chief executive officer He Ning. Also present at the ceremony were Parliament President Chuan Leekpai; Wang Li Ping, China’s minister-counsellor for economics and commercial affairs; Deputy Education Minister Kalaya Sophonpanich; and deputy Bangkok governor Pol Lt-General Sophon Phisutthiwong.
Kirapat said MEA aimed to deliver electricity effectively to serve rising demands, coupled with responsibility to society and the environment.
New Sky Energy (Thailand), meanwhile, is already operating waste-incineration plants in Thailand.
This cooperation aims to study the possibility of developing a micro-grid system in areas near the incineration plant, so communities nearby do not need to rely on the main power grid.
Generating power from waste will also help boost the country’s electricity security. This cooperation comes under the policies of the Interior and Energy ministries and is also part of the MEA’s Smart Grid system.
New Sky Energy has been operating the 500 tonnes per day Nong Khaem Solid Waste Disposal Centre in cooperation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) since 2016 and has signed a deal with the BMA to develop incineration plants with a capacity of at least 1,000 tonnes per day. The new plants are at Nong Khaem and Onnut, which should be able to provide energy to the main system by 2024.
This collaboration is part of China’s move to promote strategic partnerships with Asean countries in the Greater Mekong sub-region.
