The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) will delay its import programme of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to generate electricity as its preparation process is not finished, says newly elected governor Viboon Rerksirathai.
The LNG import programme was ordered by the National Energy Policy Council late last year, with Egat set to be the second LNG importer after PTT Plc, with an initial volume of 1.5 million tonnes.
Mr Viboon said Egat may not complete the plan this year as expected.
Egat is talking with the Energy Regulatory Commission to avoid paying a higher power tariff, generated power from LNG rather than other fuels, he said.
In related news, Mr Viboon said Egat is scheduled to open an auction for development of a floating solar farm at its water reservoir -- Sirindhorn Hydropower in Ubon Ratchathani province -- for a total capacity of 45 megawatts.
"Development cost has yet to be revealed, but Egat plans to propose this plan for board approval soon before beginning the auction," he said.
The solar farm project is the second phase of Egat's development plan, with the first project co-development with Siam Cement Plc for a combined capacity to 200-250 kilowatts. Egat was granted approval from policymakers to develop floating solar farms at its existing hydropower plants nationwide. The full development plan was designed for the next five years.
Mr Viboon said Egat plans to limit staff recruitment in 2018.