Two state-run agencies -- the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) and the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) -- are teaming up with Pinthong Industrial Park to develop on-site power generation at industrial estates in Chon Buri province.
The system includes power generation from solar rooftops and energy storage, as well as a blockchain system to promote a smart grid.
Patrapong Thepa, Egat's senior assistant governor, said the three agencies already signed agreements for this project. Their technical officers are compiling all the information and physical details needed for the next process of design.
The final details will be concluded in mid-2019, with the project scheduled to begin by December.
Mr Patrapong said IEAT selected Pinthong to run the first smart grid because its industrial location in Chon Buri has the most potential for development.
A budget has not been determined because a design process has to be chosen before a financial decision can be agreed upon.
Earlier, two SET-listed firms, BCPG and Banpu, expressed keen interest in developing smart grids before Egat.
In related news, Egat plans to team up with the State Railway of Thailand, PTT Plc and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) to develop on-site power generation at the new Bang Sue Grand Station. The new station will replace Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) from 2021.
The four agencies have yet to sign an agreement on this plan.
On Monday, Egat, MEA and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) launched an energy-saving campaign.
Jirasak Mantharngkul, Egat's director of demand-side management, said the three authorities set a goal to reduce the country's energy consumption by another 20 million kilowatt-hours (units) in 2019 across all power users and sectors by offering special discount incentives.
MEA will offer a discount fee for cleaning 30,000 air conditioners in the household sector in its service area -- Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan.
Egat and PEA will offer a discount price for campaign participants to buy new home electric appliances that are certified as power-saving, also known as Label No.5.
Egat and PEA will also act as energy consultants for the business sector to reduce their power bills under this campaign.