Mr Thepparat Theppitak, Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), outlines how innovation and renewable energy are transforming the country's energy landscape. By advancing projects like hydro-floating solar and grid modernisation, EGAT is playing a key role in Thailand's path towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
Can you elaborate how EGAT's vision and mission have helped guide Thailand's energy transition landscape?
EGAT's Vision and Mission have played a pivotal role in guiding Thailand's energy transition landscape, providing a clear framework for sustainable development and innovation in the energy sector. They align with Thailand's broader energy transition goals, including the aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.
Our Vision—"Innovate power solutions for a better life"—emphasises EGAT's commitment to innovation. This has been key to driving the adoption of advanced technologies and renewable energy solutions in Thailand. Through continuous research and development, EGAT has introduced smart grid technologies, energy storage systems, and digital innovations that improve energy efficiency and reliability. Our focus on innovation has also supported the integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources, such as solar and wind, with battery energy storage systems into Thailand's power grid. These efforts have helped reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.
One of our key projects is the successful installation of floating solar panels on the surfaces of our dams. For example, we pioneered a 45 MW hydro-floating solar hybrid project at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani Province, and another 24 MW project at Ubolratana Dam in Khon Kaen Province. We are the first utility to combine floating solar panels with a hydropower system for electricity generation. We aim to achieve an additional 2,725 MW of hydro-floating solar capacity across nine dams by 2030.
We are also advancing our grid modernisation projects. Last year, we officially launched the Renewable Energy Forecast Center (REFC) and Demand Response Control Center (DRCC). These centres serve as prototypes for five regional renewable energy forecast centres and five demand response control centres, which will enhance modernisation and stability.
EGAT’s Mission is to be "Thailand's main organisation to secure the power reliability and enhance the country's competitiveness through innovation". This underscores our role as the backbone of Thailand's energy sector, ensuring the stability and reliability of the country's power supply. This reliability is crucial for Thailand's economic development as it supports industrial growth and attracts investments by guaranteeing a stable energy supply.
By enhancing the competitiveness of Thailand's energy sector, EGAT has facilitated the transition to a low carbon economy. Our efforts have reduced energy costs while improving the sustainability of the country's overall energy system.
In summary, EGAT's Vision and Mission have been instrumental in shaping Thailand's energy transition by fostering innovation, ensuring power reliability, enhancing national competitiveness, and supporting the country's climate goals. These guiding principles enable us to lead the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
As Thailand advances its economic growth and digital transformation, how does EGAT balance the need to meet the increasing electricity demand with sustainable growth?
EGAT is facing the dual challenge of ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future while supporting Thailand's economic and digital transformation. At the same time, we are committed to minimising the environmental impact of our energy activities.
We support the Ministry of Energy in implementing the Power Development Plan (PDP), which outlines a roadmap for the energy transition. This plan balances the need for reliable, affordable electricity with the imperative to cut emissions and promote renewable energy. This ensures that Thailand's electricity sector is equipped to meet future demand sustainably. We are also building a flexible energy infrastructure that can adapt to changes in demand and supply dynamics. This includes upgrading transmission lines, expanding interconnections with neighbouring countries, and modernising our grids to accommodate new energy sources and technologies.
In 2023, we upgraded four substations to digital substations. At present, there are 20 transmission system construction and renovation projects underway.
Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint includes adopting low carbon technologies and decommissioning or retrofitting older, less efficient fossil fuel power plants. These efforts support Thailand's broader climate goals, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.
To balance the growing electricity demand with sustainable growth, EGAT is diversifying its energy mix. We are also promoting energy efficiency and investing in advanced technologies. This is achieved through a combination of innovation, strategic planning, and environmental stewardship.
Regional partnership can contribute to energy security. How can collaboration with international partners support EGAT's vision and mission?
Regional and international partnerships can play a crucial role in supporting EGAT's Vision and Mission, particularly in enhancing energy security.
Collaborations with international research institutions, utilities, and companies enable us to conduct joint R&D projects on emerging technologies. They include hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and next-generation solar and wind power. These partnerships directly contribute to our mission to innovate power solutions and reduce Thailand's carbon footprint.
Countries that have successfully transitioned to low carbon economies can provide valuable insights into regulatory frameworks, financial models, and technologies. These insights can be adapted to support Thailand's energy transition. Moreover, partnerships with global institutions offer opportunities for upskilling and reskilling our workforce. This will help strengthen human capital and improve our ability to manage modern energy systems.
The theme for SIEW is "A Connected and Sustainable Energy World" What are your thoughts on this year's theme?
The theme "A Connected and Sustainable Energy World" represents the ultimate vision for the future of the energy sector. It highlights the need for global collaboration and innovation to transform the energy landscape. For a state-owned power utility like EGAT, which manages both fossil fuel and renewable energy capacity, the challenge lies in balancing energy security and affordability. At the same time, there is an urgent need to decarbonise and transition towards renewables in the future.
Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, we can transform Thailand's energy systems. This will contribute to a connected global energy network that is resilient, efficient, and low carbon.
The path ahead is filled with both challenges and opportunities. By embracing technology, enhancing energy resilience, and aligning with global climate goals, we can ensure a just transition to a low carbon future—one where energy systems are reliable, inclusive, and sustainable for all.
About Thepparat Theppitak, Governor, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)
Mr Thepparat Theppitak is the Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), a position he assumed on 14 March 2024. He brings extensive experience in the energy sector, having served as President of Electricity Generating Public Company Limited (EGCO) from 2020 to 2024. Prior to this, Mr Theppitak held various leadership roles at EGAT, including Assistant Governor–Renewable and New Energy from 2017 to 2018 and Deputy Governor–Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy from 2018 to 2020. From 2020, he served as the Deputy Governor of the Governor's Office before his appointment as EGCO President.
Mr Theppitak holds a Master's degree in Electricity Industry Management and Technology from the University of Strathclyde, UK, and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chiang Mai University, Thailand. He has completed several prestigious training programmes, including the Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School, and the National Defense Regular Course from Thailand National Defense College.
Mr Theppitak also undertook the Senior Executive Program at Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University. Additionally, he completed the Executive Program in Energy Literacy from Thailand Energy Academy, and the Leadership for Inspiration for Senior Management programme at King Prajadhipok's Institute.
Beyond his educational and professional accomplishments, Mr Theppitak is a Senior Professional Engineer under the Engineering Institute of Thailand. He also serves as an adviser to the Subcommittee of Boiler and Pressure Vessel at the same institute. His expertise covers power plant operations and maintenance, as well as advanced management in the national energy sector and investor relations.