Non-oil energy conglomerate Banpu Plc plans to start operations of two new floating solar farms, featuring the largest installed capacity developed by a private company, in the middle of this year.
The company is developing the two projects through its energy technology arm Banpu Next, which plans to use digital technology to run the facilities.
Chanit Suwanparin, Banpu Next's senior vice-president for customer experience, said the first project, located in Apex Green Industrial Estate in Chachoengsao, has electricity generation capacity of 32 megawatts.
The other is a 16MW floating solar farm being built in LK Rubber Industrial City Hub in Rayong's Muang district.
The new solar power projects not only aim to reduce electricity costs, but also pave the way for developing a smart city that promotes use of clean energy and wise energy management, he said.
According to Banpu Next, the floating solar farm in Apex Green Industrial Estate is estimated to save 36 million baht in electricity bills per year.
"We are using our expertise in energy technology to design solar power systems of all types, including floating solar farms, to meet the needs of industrial estate operators," said Mr Chanit.
He said a digital platform and a real-time monitoring application will also be used to help businesses create sustainable value by increasing energy efficiency and developing an environmentally friendly green industry.
The digital platform and dashboard will enable industrial estate operators to better monitor water levels and quality as well as ensure the operation of the solar system in real time to ensure optimum electricity generation and without a negative environmental impact on the water ecosystem, said Mr Chanit.
Thailand's largest floating solar farm is operated by state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani province. The facility, in operation since July 2021, is designed to have generation capacity of 45MW.