On March 5, 2024, Dr. Jiraporn Sirikum, Deputy Governor – Power Business and Acting Governor of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), revealed that the 24 MW Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid Project at Ubol Ratana Dam in Khon Kaen Province has started its commercial operation.

The Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid Project at Ubol Ratana Dam integrates three clean energy sources: solar energy, hydropower, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). It generates electricity from solar energy during daytime and from hydropower during the night, while the BESS will support continual electricity generation during the transition of electricity generation between two energy sources.

Moreover, Energy Management System and Weather Forecast System are incorporated to enhance stability of the electricity generation system by dealing with renewable energy limitations. The solar panels cover less than 1% of the total reservoir area and are installed with suitable inclination to allow sunlight to penetrate the water surface without impacting the underwater ecosystem. In addition, the solar panels and floating platforms are made from environmentally friendly materials.

The Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid at Ubol Ratana Dam is EGAT’s second floating solar hybrid project developed in accordance with Thailand’s Power Development Plan. Under the plan, EGAT will develop 16 floating solar projects at EGAT nine dams with a total installed capacity of 2,725 MW. By generating electricity from clean energy, the projects help reduce CO2 emissions in the generation process, mitigate global warming, comply with the global energy trend, and drive Thailand toward Carbon Neutrality.

In addition, EGAT places importance on the quality of life of people living in the vicinity of Ubol Ratana Dam, where most people are engaged in fishery. EGAT has collaborated with Fisheries Research Center to promote the conservation of aquatic animal species. In each year, many million fish are released into the reservoir. EGAT also supports fish processing career and in the future EGAT plans to develop a solar-powered shrimp farm as a learning center to promote shrimp farming so that the communities can generate income and achieve self-reliance.