Krabi coal power plant to get more public hearings

“After the government suspended the project following the disagreements from locals, who commented that the EHIA (environmental health impact assessment) was not complete, we have reconsidered the information and errors and will submit the project once again,” said Wimonchai Mongkhol, the Head of Project Study, about extending community involvement in evaluating the current Krabi Power Plant.

File photo
He laid out the case for increasing power generation through 2030 as laid out in the “PDP 2010”. More electricity production is needed to support economic development in the southern region of Thailand, which is growing at an average of 5-6 per cent yearly. The proposed coal powerplant output would feed contribute to the PDP 2010 plan.
“The southern region doesn’t have enough electricity supply and still requires power linked from the central region,” said Wimonchai. “Increasing the output from the current Krabi plant will ensure the sustainability of the electricity system in the south.”
He said there would be three more EHIAs by EGA, including more hearings with public input to evaluate environmental and health impacts.
The first public hearing is being held on January 28 at the Klong Kanan OrBorTor Office from 1pm–5pm and all community sectors relevant to the topic are welcome to join.
“EGAT really needs to continue the project to create a sustainable power supply in the southern region. We have heard the question ‘Why must there be more power plants in Krabi?’. The answer is that Krabi is the location of the initial power plant because it already has enough space for a new power plant and will not affect people having to move from their homes.
“Also, there is the proper infrastructure and supply system in existence. As far as our plans are concerned, the fuel will remain coal as it is currently.”

Source: https://www.phuketgazette.net/news/phuket/krabi-coal-power-plant-get-public-hearings