The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is expanding its renewable energy portfolio with its third floating solar project, slated for installation on the Srinagarind Dam reservoir. This project is part of EGAT’s broader strategy to boost its solar energy capacity and integrate innovative technologies into Thailand’s power grid.
Third Floating Solar Project on Srinagarind Dam
The Srinagarind Dam floating solar project is poised to generate 140 megawatts (MW) of power, making it EGAT’s third such installation. Previously, EGAT commissioned a 44 MW floating solar power plant at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani and another at Ubol Ratana Dam in Khon Kaen.
EGAT’s floating solar project on Srinagarind Dam marks a key step in advancing Thailand’s renewable energy capabilities.
​This floating solar hybrid project will create an innovative power production model by combining hydropower with solar, enhancing overall system reliability. While Thailand’s hydroelectric plants typically operate during off-peak hours to support agriculture, integrating floating solar panels will help further stabilize and optimize energy production, benefiting both the energy sector and agriculture nationwide.
Thailand’s Initiatives and Long-term Goals
​This project aligns with Thailand’s revised National Power Development Plan 2024-37, which targets 20 gigawatts of renewable energy generation by 2037. As part of this broader government initiative, the country plans to install 2,725 MW of floating solar power, with both EGAT and private contractors contributing to this ambitious goal. A key focus of the program is building a sustainable renewable energy fleet.
The auction for the Srinagarind Dam floating solar project will open on July 3rd, with construction expected to begin by 2026. While EGAT has not disclosed the development costs, the project’s scale and significance are expected to attract considerable interest from engineering, procurement, and construction firms.
The Advantages of Floating Solar Energy Technology
Floating solar energy technology is emerging as a promising solution for expanding renewable energy capacity, captivating investors worldwide. Unlike traditional ground-mounted solar panels, which require substantial land, floating installations can be deployed on various water bodies, including reservoirs, lakes, and even the ocean—an approach that offers several key advantages.
A significant benefit of floating solar projects is their ability to preserve valuable land, which can then be used for other critical purposes like agriculture, housing, and industrial development. Additionally, the water’s cooling effect helps reduce heat buildup in the panels, leading to improved efficiency and higher energy output.
The World Bank highlights that floating solar systems can boost energy output by up to 10% compared to their ground-mounted counterparts. By covering water bodies, these panels also significantly reduce evaporation, making the technology particularly valuable in water-scarce regions.
Floating solar systems leverage existing water bodies, minimizing the environmental impact of land clearing and ecosystem disruption. By displacing fossil fuel-based power generation, these installations also contribute to a cleaner energy future and lower carbon emissions.
Thailand’s Renewable Energy Roadmap
In line with Southeast Asia’s shift toward renewables, Thailand is set to strengthen its regional leadership position. The country’s strategic vision is detailed in its government-backed National Power Development Plan (PDP) for 2024-2037, which outlines specific targets and strategies for its emerging green energy initiatives.
Thailand aims to achieve a net renewable energy capacity of 20 gigawatts (GW) by 2037, encompassing solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower. A key component of this plan involves adding 2,725 MW of floating solar power on reservoirs, leveraging the country’s abundant water resources.
In 2023, Thailand’s total renewable energy capacity was just over 10 GW, with solar accounting for nearly 3 GW. EGAT is leading this transition by adopting new technologies. Its first floating solar project at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani, which produced 44 MW of power, set a precedent for future installations.
The 24 MW floating solar plant at Ubol Ratana Dam in Khon Kaen is another significant milestone in Thailand’s renewable energy journey, demonstrating the technology’s viability. EGAT’s latest announcement of a 140 MW project on the Srinagarind Dam reservoir further underscores its commitment to renewable energy and will contribute to Thailand’s national goals. This project is expected to be operational by 2026.
Thailand’s ambitious renewable energy roadmap showcases the country’s dedication to sustainable development. By embracing innovative solutions like floating solar power, Thailand is not only enhancing its energy security but also inspiring other nations to adopt green practices and build more sustainable societies.
