Egat closes four plants
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) has shut down four plants with combined capacity of 1,210 megawatts because of heavy flooding.
The closures are expected to reduce electricity supply through the national grid by 3.9%, said Egat governor Sutat Patmasiriwat.
The 600-MW gas-fired Wang Noi plant in Ayutthaya was shut down yesterday, after the 500-MW Lam Tha Khong hydropower plant in Nakhon Ratchasima was shut down a week ago.
The other two power plants are privately owned. The A.T. Bio Co biomass plant with a capacity of 20 MW in Phichit was shut down on Sept 1, while the 90-MW gas-fired Rojana Power Co plant in Ayutthaya was shut down two weeks ago.
Egat increased output from its gas-fired South Bangkok plant in Samut Prakan by 300 MW with another 300 MW coming from Egco Group Plc's gas-fired Rayong plant to offset the loss.
However, Egat reported the 700-MW North Bangkok plant located near the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi was at risk of flooding.
"We strengthened the dyke surrounding the North Bangkok plant," said Mr Sutat.
Egat said, however, that security of electricity supply remains stable and reserves are adequate.
"We have an electricity capacity of almost 4,000 MW, and a reserve of 1,800 MW could start up immediately if there is a shutdown, so it should not affect electricity security," said Mr Sutat.
Bangkok Post
