Thailand set to finally embrace nuclear power

A proposal to install small modular reactors (SMRs) in Thailand looks set to gain momentum amid corporate interest in using the technology to ensure stable power supplies and support the national plan to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

- YUTHANA PRAIWAN

Ratch Group, the power generation arm of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), Global Power Synergy Plc, a subsidiary of national oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc, as well as Saha Pathanapibul International Plc, a consumer product conglomerate, are key supporters of SMRs, said a private sector electricity executive who requested anonymity.

Their interest in nuclear power is in line with the government's plan to push for SMR installation, part of efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants.

Global Power Synergy recently announced it was conducting a feasibility study in response to growing power demand and a desire to achieve its decarbonisation goal.