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Thailand approves construction of experimental nuclear reactor (http://www.enn.com/news/2003-10-01/s_8985.asp)
Are we ready for a nuclaer power plant?
whoa, that's an interesing news. so we will not have problem with power shortage again.
jpatokal
16-10-03, 10:58 PM
Don't get too excited yet, it's only a 10-megawatt research reactor. To put that in perspective, a modern windmill generates 1 MW, while some of the larger Russian nuclear plants churn out 1000 MW.
"Then there is the nuclear option, however controversial. Nuclear power is sustainable, clean and reliable. Thailand has shown it can handle a nuclear facility, having operated a reactor in Bangkok for almost 50 years. But even apart from emotional fears, nuclear power is expensive to establish, takes large amounts of water, and poses real threats in an area that may be prone to earthquakes or sinking _ as the Suvarnabhumi airport illustrates."
Where is this reactor?
Off hand, I seem to remember it is at a place called the Office of Atomic Energy for Peace. I've walked past the building a couple of times on my way from BTS to Panthip Plaza. I believe it is really quite a small reactor. There may also be another experimental reactor in Nakon Nayok Province; bigger than the Bangkok one, but still nothing very significant in size.
OK! Here's a map. On this one it's called the Defense Energy Department, but there is more than one institute listed on the gate nameplate. I also noticed there was a large transformer near the entrance, which may suggest they also feed electricity back into the grid when doing experimental work. I believe they also do experimental work on the exposure of gemstones to radiation. I vaguely remember something about it being possible to arrange visits. You can also magnify this map image to make the text clearer. It's 1:2,272 with a scale in the top right-hand corner: -
http://i6.tinypic.com/29z91e0.jpg
The place in Nakon Nayok Province is called the Nuclear Research Center in Ongarak District's Tambon Sai Mun. It's near a river for cooling water I suppose. There really is no particular secret about the location of these two places. I've seen articles in newspapers about both, complete with locational information. I've marked the location myself on the next map, but the normal map also has it clearly labelled at 1:20,000 level. You can also magnify this map image to make the text clearer. The map is 1:80,000, but also has a scale on the top right-hand corner: -
http://i11.tinypic.com/2ecnmmv.jpg
And another 1:12,224 from a more local map: -
http://i17.tinypic.com/2jdnfxf.jpg
Here's some info on the program. Interestingly, I note much of the info was provided by Ajarn Santikaro (who is probably anti-nuclear) from the famous Wat Suan Mokh Buddhist temple in Surat Thani Province's Chaiya District: -
http://www10.antenna.nl/wise/index.html?http://www10.antenna.nl/wise/473/4692.html
published by WISE News Communique on May 30, 1997
Thailand's nuclear program: 1966-1997
Over the past 30 years, Thailand's government has attempted to build nuclear energy facilities but has consistently faced public opposition.
(473.4692) WISE Amsterdam -The government has continued to seek ways to promote nuclear energy plants which has generated suspicion and lead to efforts to increase transparency in decision-making on nuclear projects. These events can be briefly summarized as follows:
1. Government declares the necessity for building nuclear energy facilities.
1966: Thailand's first nuclear project was proposed by the state's Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT).
1974: The government approved the proposed project to be situated in Bhai Bay, Chonburi province, East Thailand, with 350- to 500-MW capacity. However the project was shelved after fluctuations in the world oil market led to a drop in costs for natural gas at that time.
1977: EGAT reiterated its proposal, stating its increased readiness to build nuclear energy plants. Again, although EGAT got government approval, prevailing global and Thai public opposition to nuclear energy led to its cancellation.
2. Politicians and the government are intent on promoting nuclear energy without heeding public concerns. In the face of public concerns about nuclear energy, the government established a subcommittee to study its economic feasibility. The subcommittee members are from the National Energy Policy Office (NEPO), Office of Atomic Energy for Peace (OAEP), National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), and the Elecrticity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The study stated that Thailand should have nuclear energy capability by 2001 and that it be incorporated into the EGAT's energy production plan of 1992. Total planned capacity was 1000MW with the proposed sites near the sea in southern Thailand. The radioactive waste would be kept for five to six years before disposal, but no details were given about how such disposal would take place.
3. Another important government agency promoting nuclear energy is the Office for Atomic Energy for Peace (OAEP).
The OAEP has been developing nuclear technology for a long time. In a recent press release, the OAEP declared the opening of a uranium processing facility to produce 1,000 kg of processed uranium per year. Located at the Center for Techno Thani in Pathum Thani province, the facility was approved in 1989. The enriched uranium can be used as fuel in the heavy water (CANDU type) reactor.
In 1993, the OAEP established the Nuclear Center in Ongkarak in Nakhon Nayok province, near Bangkok. Covering roughly 126 acres, the project's budget was worth 4,500 million baht for a research reactor of 5 to 10 MW. The new reactor project at Ongkarak, planned sinced the previous project established 10 years ago, is less than 14 kilometers from Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport.
Fearing public opposition, the Thai government moved silently on its nuclear plans. Up to the present, the government has not held any public forums to listen to public opinion or to reconsider its nuclear energy plans. Although the government has held many meetings, the agenda was solely to provide the views held by the government on nuclear energy. At the same time, politicians and other government officials involved with the nuclear energy plans regularly visit nuclear facilities abroad, meet with nuclear energy companies and consultants, and return to Thailand voicing support for nuclear energy.
On June 1, 1993, the cabinet resolution set up a research project on safety and the environmental impacts, improved the laws and public relations strategies of the Ministry for Science, Technology and the Environment (MOSTE), and ordered the OAEP to set up a subcommittee on safety in nuclear power stations.
In 1994, the Chuan Leekpai government passed a resolution stating that MOSTE would set up an organization to supervise the safety of nuclear facilities, including regulatory measures. On December 12, 1994, a cabinet resolution established, and put MOSTE in charge of, the Committee to Study the Feasibility of Nuclear Energy for a six-year period with a budget of 750 million baht (US$30 million), and 50 million baht (US$2 million) for public relations.
In 1995, Yingphan Manasikarn, the minister for science, technology and environment, began promoting nuclear energy on behalf of the EGAT, despite opposition from development organizations. Government officials have pushed for a nuclear energy policy through the National Energy Policy Office (NEPO) and the building of nuclear plants on the Gulf of Thailand.
In 1996, the government of Banharn Silpaarcha set up a committee to study the feasibility of nuclear power consisting of four subcommittees on safety issues, on economics, on public relations, and on environmental impact. The government expects to undertake the study on four reactors, each with a 1000-MW capacity. On July 23, 1996, the cabinet allocated a budget to support feasibility studies by a 21-member committee under the chair of the minister of MOSTE for the building of nuclear power plants. The permanent minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Rakkiard Sookthana, declared the government policy for the EGAT to allocate its budget for 1997 to study the building of nuclear plants.
On December 16, 1996, the new government of Chavalit Yongchaiyudh announced its energy policy, and the deputy to the prime minister, Samak Sundaravej, overseeing MOSTE, said that it was time to build nuclear power plants as soon as possible to meet the country's energy demand in 10 years.
In 1997, at a meeting on "How can we live in the nuclear age?", the manager of the EGAT's mechanical engineering department, Vivat Preuksawan, declared that the EGAT had found four sites suitable for building a nuclear power plant: Nakhon Sri Thammarat province, Prachuab Khiri Khan province, and two locations in Chumporn province. But the site has not been selected yet. In early January 1997, the Prime Minister of Canada, along with a team of business representatives, visited Thailand and mentioned the potential selling of Canadian nuclear technology to Thailand.
April 1997
Source and Contact: Suan Mokkh, Chaiya, Surat Thani 84110, Thailand.
E-mail: santikaro@suanmokkh.org
June 11, 2007 15:47 PM
Thailand Opts To Build Nuclear Power Plant
BANGKOK, June 11 (Bernama) -- Thailand will proceed with a plan to build a nuclear power plant to serve the increased demand for electricity, the Thailand news agency (TNA) reported Monday, quoting Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amaranand, as saying here.
"The nuclear facility is needed because of the rising consumption of electrical power," said Piyasvasti when asked to comment why should a nuclear power plant be built. Electricity use has risen 1.14 per cent in comparison with economic growth of one per cent, he explained.
The nuclear power plant is an alternative to produce electricity with no affect on the global warming, the minister said.
The action plan to build the nuclear power plant will be finished at the end of this year and preparation will take another seven years.
Construction will be completed in 2020.
Meanwhile, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) director Kraisri Karnasuta said that construction of the nuclear plant is necessary, and that EGAT will clearly explain its necessity to the public before construction begins.
The project, however, is under way and EGAT is looking for an 800 acre site to build the 4,000 megawatt power plant.
The budget to build the nuclear power plant is estimated at US$6 billion (US$1=RM3.40).
When the construction is finished, the cost of producing electricity at the nuclear power plant will stay at Bt2.01 (RM1=Bt10) per unit, lower than the Bt 2.05 per unit of the electricity produced by conventional coal-fired power plants.
-- BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=266801
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=266801
Egat ready to pump $6 bn into nuclear power
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) is ready to invest at least US$6 billion (Bt208 billion) in two nuclear power plants in line with the power development plan, which includes the generation of 4,000 megawatts of nuclear power.
Kraisri Karnasutra, governor of the state agency, yesterday said the plants would require an investment of $1.5 million per megawatt. He said nuclear power involved a lower generating cost - at Bt2.01 per unit - than coal, for which the cost was Bt2.05 per unit.
Under the power development plan (PDP), which runs from this year to 2021, Egat will be responsible for national nuclear power generation.
"We're studying the project in detail, and we'll also work on educating the public about nuclear power generation," Kraisri said yesterday at an Egat-sponsored forum titled "Why Nuclear Power Plants?"
He said the plants would be located near rivers, because water is essential for cooling in nuclear facilities. The two plants will together cover an area of 1,000-2,000 rai.
In his speech to the forum, Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand said the Kingdom needed nuclear power, because of its overreliance on natural gas and trends towards cleaner energy.
"Nuclear power provides the highest security in terms of fuel when Thailand is facing risks in natural-gas supplies. At present, one-third of natural gas comes from Burma, and Thailand is now negotiating to import liquefied natural gas."
He called natural gas a clean energy source that was in high demand from many countries, which have agreed purchase contracts in advance. Meanwhile, despite its abundance, coal does not enjoy public acceptance, due to fears of pollution.
"Therefore, energy ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum at their meeting from May 27-30 in Australia approved the move to develop nuclear power technology jointly," the minister said.
Under the PDP, 4,000MW of nuclear power is set to be fed into the system in the next 14 years: 2,000MW in 2020 and 2,000MW in 2021.
Piyasvasti said a nuclear-power working committee had been formed and that an action plan should be complete by the end of this year.
If approved, construction of the plants will not start before 2014, by which time the authorities will have undertaken personnel training and public education. A further assessment will then be carried out to finalise whether Thailand was ready for nuclear power plants. If so, the plants will take about six years to build.
"If the new government does not agree to the plan, it should have a clear answer about what the alternative would be and where the fuel would come from," he said.
Piyasvasti added that the Energy Ministry plans to be carried out under the PDP would help reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide.
Under the PDP, priority will be given to power generation from natural gas in the initial stage, to be followed by coal-fired power plants and hydropower. Carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced from 600 tonnes per gigawatt to 470 tonnes by 2021.
Energy Reporters
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/12/business/business_30036597.php
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) is ready to invest at least US$6 billion (Bt208 billion) in two nuclear power plants in line with the power development plan, which includes the generation of 4,000 megawatts of nuclear power.I wonder what would be their preferred location choice(s) (which province) for these power plants, if they have already thought that far?
They'll obviously need cooling water supply. But should rather not be built in any area prone to flooding or earthquakes..... :(
South tipped for nuclear plant
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Ranong, Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces have been tipped as possible sites for Thailand's first nuclear power plant, as the country continues to struggle with sharp rises in fuel costs. The three coastal provinces have been selected due to their proximity to the sea as the abundant water can be used to cool down the plant's powerful nuclear reactors.
However, the government is still cautious about the idea and says the issue of nuclear power has not been finalised.
''Based on geographical advantages, those three coastal provinces are suitable for a nuclear power plant,'' said Science and Technology Minister Yongyuth Yuthavong. ''However, we can't have the final say right now about the exact location. Just let's say it is possible.''
Nuclear power plants are commonly located close to the sea or big rivers.
Chumphon and Surat Thani are on the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong is on the Andaman coast.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand previously selected Laem Pathiu in Chumphon's Pathiu district as a site for a nuclear plant.However, the project was suspended due to the discovery of natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand, enabling the government to postpone its nuclear plans.
However, the plan has been dusted off again. With the price of fossil fuels rapidly increasing, nuclear power is once more a favoured option for alternative energy sources.
The ministry is preparing to launch an education programme in the three selected provinces to ensure better understanding among the locals of the safety and the benefits of nuclear power, as well as its importance for the country, the minister said.
Under the Power Development Plan, policy makers hope to increase electricity production to about 55,000 megawatts by 2021, with 4,000MW being provided by nuclear power.
Sirichai Keinmeesuke, deputy secretary-general of the Office of Atoms for Peace, said selecting the location was a big challenge for the nuclear power committee.
''Personally, I prefer a site close to the sea because this would reduce the burden of transport costs,'' he said.
Pricha Karasudthi, vice-president of the Nuclear Society of Thailand, said other countries had benefitted greatly from nuclear energy.
''Why don't we open our minds to learn and know more about it,'' he said.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/12Jul2007_news03.php
Sattahip Naval Base is out on a peninsula. This would seem like a feasible idea. It might well allay some people's security concerns about a nuclear power station. There would probably be a price to pay, however. My guess is the RTN would use this as a bargaining chip to get a submarine, or even a nuclear submarine. Do they really need one? Probably not! The aircraft carrier spends most of its time in dock due to the heavy expense of running it. I doubt there is any real strategic need for that matter:
Naval base proposed as site for nuclear plant
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
The armed forces have offered a naval base in Chon Buri as a possible site for a nuclear power plant if other sites face opposition, a source said.
The military's proposal could help the project along, although the government has yet to finalise a decision on whether to build such a plant.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont recently dusted off the plan, suspended for more than 20 years, citing the need for energy security.
The government considers Ranong, Chumphon and Surat Thani as the best sites, as they are close to the sea. The station needs water to cool its reactors.
The government has drawn up plans for a nuclear plant that could generate 4,000 megawatts by 2021.
The source said the naval base in Sattahip district fitted the conditions required for such a plant.
''Geographically, the Sattahip navy base is suitable as the water there is deep and it is remote from the local community,'' a source said.
Science and Technology Minister Yongyuth Yutthawong refused to react to the armed forces' offer, saying he had not been consulted.
''I can't say whether it is true or not. What I can say right now is that no decision has been made on the site. We need more time,'' he said.
He added that the ministry has been waiting for the government to approve a 10-million-baht budget to educate people about nuclear energy, and hold public hearings.
''We can't construct the plant without public support,'' he said.
Construction of the plant would take five years to complete and a decision on where to build it could be reached by October.
Korb Krittayakeeron, a former National Science and Technology Development Agency official, is chairman of a committee on the feasibility of the plant, with six sub-committees also looking at the issue.
May expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=120746
Panel to consider HM's plea
Ministers may seek audience with the King for energy advice
Published on September 4, 2007
The Nuclear Power Infrastructure Preparation Committee (NPIPC) will today discuss His Majesty the King's speech against nuclear power, the panel chairman said.
Kopr Kritayakirana said he would recommend the Science and the Energy ministers to be granted an audience with the King in order to listen to his advice on the possibility of future use of nuclear energy in the country.
"We are going to carefully consider His Majesty's speech," Korp said.
In his speech to ambassadors, consul-generals and senior Foreign Ministry officials gathering for an annual Royal audience at the Dusidalai Throne Hall on August 29, His Majesty expressed concern over the country's plan to build its first nuclear power plant.
He warned that the technology should be taken with extreme caution because of potential dangers and social conflicts.
While the NPIPC would discuss His Majesty's concern about nuclear power, Premier Surayud Chulanont came up with an idea to seek 200 nuclear experts.
Speaking to a gathering of National Defence College students yesterday, Surayud said the experts would help the country go nuclear in the next decade.
In the nation's 2007 Power Development Plan (PDP), the Energy Policy and Planning Office said nuclear power would contribute 5 per cent of the country's energy by 2020.
It planned to build two nuclear power plants to produce 2,000 megawatts of electricity in the next 13 years. Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand insisted that nuclear energy was needed as an alternative source of power, claiming that depending too much on any one particular type of energy could put the country at the mercy of energy exporters.
Since the 2007 PDP was approved early this year, all agencies involved in the energy sector have speeded up efforts to make the issue of building a nuclear facility public.
Several sites along coastal provinces including Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chon Buri have been proposed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) as possible locations for the plants.
Navy commander-in-chief Admiral Sathiraphan Keyanont admitted yesterday that Egat had once asked to build a nuclear facility in Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri.
Sathiraphan said he turned down the request, as he could not allow a power plant to be built in a naval base.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/04/national/national_30047650.php
The large number of recent developments in this project of late seems to suggest that we can expect a nuclear power plant here in the not too distant future. This IAEA visit seems to signal a fairly serious intent by the Thai Government:
IAEA team to visit Thailand
A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit Thailand later this month for consultations regarding the first nuclear power plant.
The plant is expected to be built in the country to relieve the kingdom's reliance on oil and gas energy, according to the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) Deputy Director General Chavalit Pichalai.
Mr. Chavalit said IAEA experts were scheduled to be in Bangkok September 24-28 to advise the preparatory committee on the feasibility of nuclear power chaired by Dr. Korb Krittayakeeron, a former National Science and Technology Development Agency official.
The committee was drafting the preparatory plan which was expected to be completed in October and would submit to the National Energy Policy Office or NEPO for further consideration.
Under the Power Development Plan (PDP), four 1,000-megawatt nuclear power plants would be built and start generating electricity around 2020-2021.
During the next seven years, the government will develop safety standards, establish a regulatory framework and train the necessary personnel.
Another six years would be needed after that to complete the plant's construction. Nuclear safety was considered the priority as well as the suitable location which should be near a river or the sea.
The government has not decided on the location of the plant but Ranong, Chumphon and Surat Thani, all close to the sea in order to supply coolant water to the plant, have emerged as possible sites.
Mr. Chavalit said the decision to include atomic energy in its long-term development plan was made because nuclear energy is recognised as efficient and cost-effective, and emits no carbon dioxide.
Six sub-panels were set up to work on the feasibility study of the nuclear plant in six categories, including legal, monitoring, basic enterprise development and commercial related industry, technology and personnel development, safety and environmental protection and public relations and campaigns to win public approval. (TNA)
May expire soon:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=121363
Another development:
.....
The state agency [The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat)] is also setting up a new department to accommodate investment in nuclear plants, which is expected to draw stronger protests than those for coal-fired plants. About 100 employees will be recruited for the department.
.....
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/05/national/national_30047770.php
ENERGY / PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS
B200m will go to nuclear PR
YUTHANA PRAIWAN
Despite safety concerns among the public, the Energy Ministry has decided to move forward with the plan to build the country's first nuclear power stations and aims to open the first plant in 2021.
A budget of 200 million baht will be allocated to public relations over the next three years in an attempt to win public support for nuclear power, according to Supin Panyarak, who chairs a communication sub-committee for the programme.
The proposal was discussed yesterday at a meeting of a new nuclear power infrastructure committee chaired by Dr Kopr Kritayakirana, who serves as an adviser to the Science and Technology minister.
Authorities will also conduct a feasibility study, power system planning and a site survey with the process scheduled to be finished in 2010.
The pre-project budget has not been decided yet.
The committee contends that nuclear power is a clean and cheap method of electricity generation, compared to natural gas, oil, hydropower and coal.
However, Mr Supin acknowledged that significant challenges remain.
''Obtaining public approval is the hardest task. ... If the majority of the country is still afraid of the drastic impact of a nuclear explosion, we can't move forward,'' he said.
''What we really need to do is eliminate the terrible image of the Chernobyl explosion case. Most people do not understand the benefits of [atomic energy], they only talk about its deep impact in case of error.''
Under the nuclear infrastructure preparation plan, after the decision is made, the site selection and pre-construction process would proceed from 2010 to 2015 and construction would begin in 2015.
Mr Supin said that every process from pre-project to production start-up required approval from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the central intergovernmental agency for scientific co-operation in the nuclear field.
He said the country's Atomic Energy for Peace Act would also need to be amended to allow the Office of Atomic Energy for Peace to effectively regulate nuclear power in compliance with IAEA safety requirements, which state that a regulator must monitor the project at all stages.
The existing act only permits the office to govern the usage of nuclear applications in food processing and medicine. Thailand has had a small research reactor for more than three decades.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) has already released more than 100,000 copies of a comic book to students nationwide as part of its campaign to increase awareness of nuclear energy.
May expire soon:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/06Sep2007_biz35.php
14 October 2007
Energy Ministry to construct nuclear power plant in next 13 years
The Ministry of Energy has set plans to construct a nuclear power plant in the next 13 years. The construction project is expected to be approved by the next government.
Minister of Energy Piyasvasti Amranand (ปิยสวัสดิ์ อัมระนันทน์) says nuclear power is the best alternative energy for the country as natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea will be used up in about 30 years from now and oil prices are continuously increasing. In addition, the minister says nuclear power does not cause global warming like other energies.
The ministry has therefore launched a plan to build a 4,000-megawatt nuclear power plant which will be approved in the next 6 – 7 years.
Meanwhile, Minister of Science and Technology Yongyuth Yuthavong (ยงยุทธ ยุทธวงศ์) says the government should inform people of pros and cons of a nuclear power plant and explain the disposal of nuclear waste to them.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255010140002
ENERGY
Nuclear power scheme backed
Bid to draft law in three years after studies of locations, costs
Published on October 19, 2007
The National Energy Policy Council yesterday approved the Nuclear Power Infrastructure Establishment Plan, which highlights the creation of a nuclear-oriented office under the Energy Ministry and the drafting of a nuclear law in three years.
Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand said after the meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kosit Panpiemras that the Nuclear Power Plant Development Office would from 2008 to 2010 conduct in-depth studies and plans for generating techniques, locations and expenses.
"Then, the draft law should be completed in the third year. If the government agrees to proceed with the development, the draft can be pushed for implementation," Piyasvasti said.
The nuclear power plan took five months to complete, incorporating concerns from a public hearing held on Sunday and advice from local and foreign experts and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
An Energy Ministry source earlier said the ministry plans to launch a public-relations campaign starting this year and running until 2022 with a budget of Bt2.44 billion, or Bt195 million a year. The campaign is aimed at winning wide acceptance for nuclear power.
Nuclear power is included in the government's power development plan for 2007-2021.
While the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand is charged with carrying out the development of two nuclear plants with total capacity of four gigawatts, its affiliate Electricity Generating has shown interest in bidding for such a project.
At a time when Thailand is facing declining natural-gas reserves and protests against the use of other fuels, particularly coal, the council also approved the purchase of additional power from Laos for a total of seven gigawatts, up from five gigawatts. The hydropower would be supplied to Thailand by 2015.
"This will benefit both countries. While Laos has a plenty of hydropower for sale, Thailand has the option to secure low-cost energy," Piyasvasti said.
Altogether four power deals with Laos were approved yesterday at Bt1.89-Bt1.97 per unit. So far, the Kingdom has signed purchase contracts with eight projects in Laos for a combined supply of 3.31 gigawatts. (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=17748&postcount=56)
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority's master plan to bury its wires was also approved with a budget of Bt77.7 billion. The Finance Ministry will look for local and foreign funding for the project, which will run from next year to 2022.
The council also approved the establishment of Egat International as a subsidiary of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, with initial registered capital of Bt50 million. The new state enterprise will be responsible for overseas investment. (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=17752#post17752)
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/19/headlines/headlines_30053005.php
http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=349
Surayud cabinet lays foundation for Thailand's nuclear power
Prachatai
01 November 2007
News
On Oct 30, the cabinet approved draft plan to set up an infrastructure for nuclear power generation.
Science and Technology Minister Prof Dr Yongyuth Yuthawongse said that the plan was only for the infrastructure for Thailand's future nuclear power, including preparation of manpower and an administrative office. It was not a decision to build nuclear power plants as that would be up to the next governments, he said.
The cabinet approved the plan in principle, and appointed a committee to prepare a feasibility study on nuclear power generation. It also gave its approval to set up an office for nuclear power project development under the Ministry of Energy. A budget of 1,800 million baht is to be allocated from the Energy Conservation (ENCON) Fund for implementation of the plan in the first three years (2008-2010), which includes the setting up of the office, formulating laws, a regulatory system, commercial and industrial structure plans, a nuclear safety plan, environmental protection, public relations and acceptance. Public hearings are to be held at least 8 times in 6 months to raise public understanding and participation.
The cabinet approved the proposal to temporarily use the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) Act which will soon be deliberated by the National Legislative Assembly for the regulatory system. The Energy Ministry and Science and Technology Ministry will formulate laws on regulatory systems, standards, safety and relevant issues.
"Now we have rudimentary principles of the laws such as warning systems. Issues that need further consideration include, for example, technologies and locations. The Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) Act concerns radioactive substances, import and export, and regulations, but it's of no use. The next government needs to pass a more solid law. The current government is not doing it [the law], because the next government will make the decision, which may or may not be in favour of nuclear power," said the Science Minister.
The draft Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) Act will be considered by the NLA on Oct 31.
PM's Office Deputy Spokesperson Chotechai Suwannaporn said that the cabinet approved the proposal of the National Energy Policy Committee to set up Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) International Co Ltd for overseas investments, and also approved an increase in power purchased from Lao from 5,000MW to 7,000MW.
The cabinet also approved the draft power purchase agreements for Nam Theun 1, Nam Ngum 3, Nam Ngiep, and Theun-Hinboun Extension hydropower projects in Lao, and approved EGAT's renewable energy power plant development plan, which has a combined capacity of 81.7MW and a budget of 4,826 million baht.
Translated by Ponglert Pongwanan
Thai Language source:
http://www.prachatai.com/05web/th/home/page2.php?mod=mod_ptcms&ContentID=10065&SystemModuleKey=HilightNews&System_Session_Language=Thai
03 November 2007
Energy Minister stresses necessity of nuclear power plants
The Energy Minister, Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand (ปิยะสวัสดิ์ อัมระนันทน์), says having a nuclear power plant is necessary for Thailand amid the soaring fuel prices.
Mr. Piyasvasti says the Cabinet has approved the construction of nuclear power plants, and the first one is expected to take place in the next 13 years. He says Thailand's neighboring countries are also preparing to build nuclear power plants, and he assures people of safety of nuclear electricity generating plants.
According to Mr. Piyasvasti, factors contributing to oil price hikes include the reduction of oil production by OPEC, FED’s interest rate cut, and the intense situations in Iran and Turkey. He therefore suggests Thai people to use gasohol and bio-diesel and calls on the government to expedite the development of mass transit systems.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255011030017
Cabinet approves new atomic energy for peace bill
The Cabinet Tuesday approved a bill to replace the existing Atomic Energy for Peace Act, a government spokesman said.
Prachasan Chanasongkram, assistant spokesman of Government House, said the bill would be sent to the Office for the Council of State for checking before being passed on to the coordination committee of the National Legislative Assembly.
Prachasan said several articles in the current act had become outdated because the advance in the atomic technology so the new bill was needed to replace it.
Among other things, the bill would seek to redefine atomic energy for peace, he said.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30056801
China to consider Thai-proposed nuclear energy, road and rail links
BANGKOK, Dec 3 (TNA) – China will consider Thailand's request for nuclear technology transfer and road and railway links between the two countries through Laos and Vietnam, according to Thai government spokesman Chaiya Yimwilai.
Thai Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont and visiting Chinese defence minister Gen Cao Gangchuan, held talks here Monday.
Mr. Chaiya said the Thai premier discussed with Gen. Cao, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China and a state councillor, regarding military cooperation between the two countries, including training and technology transfer for weapons production.
The collaboration will boost relations between Thailand and China, said Mr. Chaiya.
During the meeting, according to the government spokesman, the Thai prime minister suggested connecting roads and railways from Thailand to Yunnan and Guangxi, through Laos and Vietnam.
The Chinese defence minister said he would discuss the issues with his country's concerned agencies including the transfer of nuclear technology to Thailand to build a nuclear power plant.
The Chinese minister also pledged that China is prepared to give full cooperation to Thailand, according to the Thai government spokesman. (TNA)-E004
Political News : Last Update : 17:37:29 3 December 2550 (GMT+7:00)
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=1618
See also two previous post on coal-fired power stations and Independant Power Producer contracts:
Infrastructure plan for nuclear-powered plant approved
BANGKOK, Dec 8 (TNA) - A plan for infrastructure to built a nuclear-powered electricity generation plant in Thailand has been approved, a senior Energy Ministry official said.
Viraphol Jirapraditkul, Director-General of the Energy Policy and Planning Office, said an agency committee gave a green light for the scheme during a meeting Friday.
The Nuclear Power Infrastructure Preparation Committee approved an agenda of items clearing the way for Thailand's nuclear development.
Programmes to be implemented between 2008-2010 include legal and international obligation, the infrastructural framework, personnel and technology development, and environmental safeguards and controls, Mr. Viraphol said.
The Nuclear Power Infrastructure Preparation Committee also approved setting up a nuclear-powered electricity development office which will be responsible for the construction of a plant in the next 13 years, he added. (TNA)-E111
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=1704
PM Samak is known to favor the building of nuclear power stations. There seems to be an almost indecent haste about EGCO's statement. I'm left wondering if EGCO has been politically-funding the People Power Party (PPP) and PM Samak in order to expedite its power station interests:
EGCO urges both coal-fired and nuclear-power plants
BANGKOK, Feb 21 (TNA) – Concened with high and rising production costs for electricity and the dwindling supplies of local natural gas used to produce power, Thailand's Egco Group is urging the new government to build coal- and nuclear-powered electricity plants to meet national needs.
Visit Akaravinak, president of Egco Group, Thailand's first independent power producer, said the kingdom currently uses locally-supplied natural gas for 70 per cent of its gas-powered electricity production, but local supplies are shrinking and becoming more expensive.
He said Thailand's energy minister should act, and build coal and nuclear-powered electricity plants despite protests from the public as such sources could bring down the local production costs as well as the prices paid by consumers.
The previous government planned to construct a 4,000-megawatt (MW) nuclear-power electricity plant and conducted a feasibility study, Mr. Visit said. The government should implement the project under study, he said, noting that the Egco Group plans to provide knowledge about nuclear-powered electricity plants to its staff.
Currently, the Egco Group is jointly investing with the state-owned Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and two other Thai firms in building 3,600 MW coal-powered electricity plant on Koh Kong in Cambodia. Costs are high because a 400-kilometre transmission line must be installed, he said.
Construction will have to take place in Cambodia, Mr. Visit said, because of protests over building any kind of electrical power plants in Thailand.
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop said her ministry would continue its feasibility study on a nuclear-powered electricity plant.
Budget allocation on the study is set at Bt1.3 billion and must be completed within three years, said Mrs. Poonpirom. If a nuclear-powered electricity plant is built within the next 13 years, both pros and cons in regard to the population as well as the economy, and acceptance by the public must first be taken into consideration. (TNA)-E111
Business News : Last Update : 13:40:30 21 February 2008 (GMT+7:00)
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=2919
ASEAN+3 nuclear safety forum kicks off in Bangkok
BANGKOK, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Experts and officials on nuclear energy safety from the 10 ASEAN countries and its three regional partners -- China, Japan and South Korea, gathered here Monday to convene the first ASEAN+3 Forum on Nuclear Energy Safety.
The two-day forum, the idea of which was initiated by Thailand at last November's East Asia Summit in Singapore, was co-hosted by Thailand and China. It is to provide an academic platform for exchanging experience and technologies in a bid to promote regional cooperation on nuclear safety issue.
At the opening ceremony on Monday, Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama noted that the ASEAN+3 framework was established in 1997 to respond to the Asian financial crisis, and now it can play a role to cope with a new crisis, which is "no less significant, no less urgent" than the 1997 financial crisis, -- the challenge of long-term energy security in the wake of skyrocketing oil prices.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, the Philippines and Singapore.
In face of rising oil price, which has increased over 100 percent in about one year to the current level of 135 U.S. dollars a barrel, countries, especially developing ones which are "too reliant on oil and thus too vulnerable to the unprecedented oil price shock", are looking at alternative sources of energy, particularly those renewable, sustainable, and clean, Noppadon said.
Nuclear energy is one of these sources of energy that many countries, including those in Southeast Asia, have growing interest in exploring.
To address public concern about nuclear safety, a critical issue to the development of nuclear energy, Thailand and other ASEAN countries have agreed on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-free Zone Treaty. A Plan of Action adopted last year calls for the establishment of a regional nuclear safety regime.
Noppadon also noted that the forum is fitting and timely as theASEAN+3 process comprises both countries that have great expertise in nuclear technology for peaceful purposes -- referring to China, Japan and South Korea, and countries that are in great need of such technology -- the ASEAN countries, while all countries under the framework share the political will to enhance greater regional cooperation on energy security.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), among ASEAN countries, governments in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia have already launched plans for building their first nuclear power plants.
The Thai government has planned to build nuclear power plants with a total generating capacity of 4,000 MWs in 13 years from now, with the first plant put in operation in the year 2020, accounting for about 10 percent of total power generation.
Panels have been set up to conduct a detailed study of the project from 2008 to 2010, after which a final decision will be made whether to implement the nuclear program based on assessment of Thai public opinion.
Wang Zhongtang, Assistant Administrator of National Nuclear Safety Administration of China, in delivering a keynote speech at the opening, said China has obtained experience on design, manufacturing, construction and operation of nuclear power plants in over 20 years of efforts since it started the construction of its first nuclear power plant.
The Chinese government has launched a nuclear power development program -- by 2020, a 58-GW total capacity of nuclear power will be in operation or under construction, accounting for 4 percent of the general power capacity of China. Now China has 11 units in operation and eight units under construction, with a total capacity of about 16 GWs.
Wang told Xinhua that China is very willing to share its experience and technologies with any ASEAN countries on nuclear energy safety, as it believes that "there is no national boundaries as regards nuclear safety," and that enhancing cooperation on the issue is of benefit to countries involved, to the region as well as the whole human society.
Among its experiences, China believes that "a strong independent nuclear safety authority is vital, a systematic legal system is fundamental, prudent and scientific assessment and review mechanism is important; the environmental impact monitoring system is also the key elements to convince the public confidence." (XINHUA)
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=4782
Thailand to develop nuclear power plants under standards by IAEA
Thailand pushes for the development and construction of nuclear power plants in line with standards by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Deputy Permanent Secretary for Energy Norkhun Sithipong (ณอคุณ สิทธิพงศ์) discloses that ASEAN member countries is ready to develop and construct nuclear power plants, especially Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Three countries which use nuclear energy, including China, Japan, and South Korea, said during the ASEAN+3 meeting on nuclear energy safety that they would allow Thailand and ASEAN to use their nuclear power plants as a model and they are ready to provide assistance.
Mr Norkhun stresses that Thailand needs to develop nuclear power to create the negotiating power in purchasing other energies for electricity generating such as natural gas. He says the country’s demand for electricity will increase by 1,000 megawatts a year and the price of natural gas will also rise. The deputy director-general also says whether a nuclear power plant in Thailand will be constructed or not depends on a survey on people’s opinions on nuclear power which is expected to be completed in the next two years.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255106170028
Nuclear power: what we can learn from japan's experience
By nophakhun
limsamarnphun
nop1122@yahoo.com
Published on June 21, 2008
Japan's Nuclear Technology Research Laboratory deputy director Masaki Uotani told a recent seminar in Bangkok that nuclear-power generation, which is free from CO2 emission, is an inevitable measure against the global-warming phenomena.
In his paper, presented at the seminar titled "Alternative energies through experiences of Japanese researchers", held by Thammasat University on June 12, Uotani also cited the World Nuclear Association's reports as indicating that nuclear-power plants offer the most economical way to generate base-load electricity in most industrialised countries today.
In Japan, the Atomic Energy Commission adopted the framework for nuclear-energy policy in 2005, in which the basic policy is to promote research, development and utilisation of nuclear science and engineering.
Within this framework, Japan is also expected to maintain or increase its current level of nuclear-power generation from the present 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the total electricity generated by 2030.
At present, Japan has 55 nuclear-power plants in service, with a capacity of 49.58 gigawatt. In 2007, the capacity dropped about 60 per cent because of the suspension of Kashiwazaki power plants, which had been affected by a strong earthquake.
Investigation of plant damage and restoration are now in the advanced stage, Uotani said.
Japan first started commercial nuclear-power generation in 1966 with the opening of the Tokai Power Station and the gas-cooled reactor. In addition, two light water reactors (LWRs), boiling water reactor (BWR) and pressurised water reactor (PWR) were built between 1970 and 1971.
Since the introduction of LWRs, Japan started producing some plant components domestically.
By the end of the 1970s, the Japanese nuclear-power industry virtually established its own domestic production technology.
In the meantime, earlier plants, which are still in service, have experienced problems such as stress corrosion and the cracking of stainless steel piping of BWRs and steam generator tube problems of PWRs.
As a result, the electric utilities and manufacturers started an LWR improvement and standardisation programme in 1975 to improve the reliability and capacity factors while shortening the duration of annual inspection.
The results have been evident in new plants. Today, safe and reliable operations of the ageing power plants have become an important feature of the Japanese nuclear-power industry after more than 30 years of service.
On renewable energies, Toshiya Nanahara of Japan's Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, said in a paper presented at the same event that wind, photovoltaic and bio-mass have attracted worldwide attention as environmentally friendly sources of energy.
The installed capacity of wind power has increased exponentially in Western countries, such as Germany, Spain, Denmark and the US, as also in India and China.
As for Japan's experience on wind and photovoltaic power generation, he noted that the advantages are clear, given both are non-exhaustive and carbon-free energy sources.
However, the cost of electricity from photovoltaic generation is still significantly higher than that of conventional power sources, so research and development is focusing on cost reduction.
On wind power, there remain issues to be resolved, such as durability against severe natural conditions such as typhoons.
Another important issue is grid interconnection. For example, photovoltaic generation is a distributed generation - small-scale generation connected to a distribution line - it is, therefore, important to ensure power quality and system protection.
As both wind and photovoltaic power are interruptible sources, it is also a challenge to maintain a supply-and-demand balance in the power system.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/06/21/opinion/opinion_30076097.php
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