Thailand has pioneered in installing solar panel floats on the waters of reservoirs with the goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. “This project is the largest and the first of its kind.”,says Governor Prasertsak Cherngchawano, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.
The system has a hybrid mechanism that generates electricity through sunlight during the day and by hydropower at night. The hydro-solar farm covers 720,000 sq m of water surface in reservoirs and is set to provide electricity to provinces in lower northeast Thailand.
Thailand aims to build 15 hydro-solar farms by 2037 and the Sirindhorn dam project is the first to see light. Thailand to this day heavily relies on fossil fuel for energy, with 55% power being from burning natural gas. The country produces 11% of its power from hydropower and other renewable sources. Thailand is trying to revamp this system and fade out the use of fossil fuel for electricity.
The Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-O-Cha declared that they will likely produce net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2065. The Siridhorn dam farm produces 45 MW of electricity and provides electricity to local houses and businesses. Officials of Thailand are hoping that in addition to generating power, the solar farms will also attract tourists.
Few of the locals have negative opinions on the hydro-solar farms due to changes to their routine. Fishermen have raised complaints about having to change where they cast nets and catching less fish. While the hydro-solar farms will undoubtedly raise the regional income and bring rapid development, it is also the responsibility of the authorities to compensate those affected by the project. With the support of both the authorities and locals, Thailand will soon be able to set the rest of the hydro-solar farm project afloat.
References
-Dilshan Rukshana-
