The government yesterday unveiled plans for the nationwide expansion of solar farms.
Under the programme, community solar farms would be established depending on the potential local demand, government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) would handle power distribution for the scheme, which was discussed at yesterday’s meeting between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon.
The Energy Ministry proposed the initiative to promote clean energy in local communities and, according to Mr Siripong, the prime minister also approved in principle a solar-powered water pump project covering 700,000 rai of farmland nationwide.
Plans to reduce the cost of water use while also stimulating local investment and economic activity are expected to go before the cabinet for approval on Oct 28, he said.
These two projects are part of the government’s “Quick Big Win” strategy to deliver concrete results within its four-month tenure.
Two more solar plans under the strategy include a tax rebate for households installing solar panels, benefiting about 90,000 homes nationwide, and the deployment of floating solar farms at the Bhumibol, Vajiralongkorn and Srinagarind dams.
Egat wants nine dams with 16 solar floating farms, adding 2,725MW to the power supply. According to the government, the solar initiative will help cut carbon emissions by 3.6 million tonnes a year.