Krabi Coal Power Plant to get more public hearings

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and its consulting company are preparing another set of public hearings about the proposed coal power plant project at Baan Klong Rua Pier after a series of protests against the project from locals and activists.

“After the government suspended the project following the disagreements from locals, who commented that the EHIA (environmental health impact assessment) was not complete, we have reconsidered the information and errors and will submit the project once again”, said Wimonchai Mongkhol, the Head of Project Study, about extending the current Krabi Power Plant with community involvement.

“The charcoal power plant is one of the projects included in the ‘PDP 2010’ to extend electricity productivity from 2012 – 2030 to support the economic development in the southern region of Thailand, which grows at an average of 5-6% per year. The southern region doesn’t have enough electricity supply and still requires power linked from the central region. Increasing the output from the current Krabi plant will ensure the sustainability of the electricity system in the south.”

He mentioned that there will be 3 more EHIAs by EGAT including more public hearings to specify the environment and health impact evaluation in consultation with the community. The first public hearing is being held on January 28 at the Klong Kanan OrBorTor Office from 1 pm – 5 pm and all community sectors relevant to the topic are welcome to join.

“EGAT really needs to continue the project to create a sustainable power supply in the southern region. We have heard the questions “why there must be more power plant in Krabi”, and the answer is that Krabi is the location of the initial power plant because it already has enough space for a new power plant and will not affect people having to move their homes. Also, there is the proper infrastructure and supply system in existence. As far as our plans are concerned, the fuel will remain coal as it is currently.”