EECi project to get cutting-edge synchrotron light generator
The Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) project will include a new state-of-the-art synchrotron light generator, which will greatly contribute to research and development in high-tech industries, EECi director Jengrit Khanatharana, who is also National Science and Technology Development Agency deputy director, said.
“More than Bt9 billion has been invested to construct the new synchrotron light generator. Construction will start in 2021 and take around seven years to complete,” he said.
“The generator will work as an electron accelerator that will help advance X-ray research at the molecular level. It will enable the manufacturing of modern raw materials, drugs, and protein-based products, and improve the country’s capability in molecular engineering,” Jengrit said.
“The generator will also help attract foreign entrepreneurs in high-tech industries to invest in the Eastern Economic Corridor,” he said.
Jengrit said there are not many synchrotron light generators in the world.
“In East Asia alone, only China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand have these generators, and we are the only Asean country to have them,” he said. “Owning a new state-of-the-art generator will enable Thailand to cooperate with advanced synchrotron research centres in other countries and put us at the top of synchrotron technology development in the region.”
The EECi is now 45 per cent complete and will be ready for operation by June 2021.
The project area covers 3,454 rai in Rayong.
Other facilities to be included in the project are biorefineries that will turn agricultural produce and leftovers into biofuel, an Industry 4.0 Centre and an Aerospace Development Centre.
The EECi will use a budget of Bt30 billion under a 20-year plan. Bt20 billion will be used for constructing infrastructure in the first ten years.