Bangkok – The Cabinet has set aside a budget of over one billion baht for biomass power plant projects in the three southern border provinces, hoping to foster energy security and create jobs for locals.
Nattaporn Jatusripitak, Advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office Minister, revealed that the projects are to be undertaken by PEA ENCOM International Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Provincial Electricity Authority, in collaboration with the private sector or community enterprises, with a shareholding ratio of 40:60.
The three biomass power plants consist of one in Narathiwat, with a value of 755 million baht and a capacity of 9.9 megawatts; one in Pattani, worth 410 million baht and capable of producing 3 megawatts; and one in Yala, built with a budget of 390 million baht and with a capacity of 3 megawatts.
The three projects, which will last 20 years, are aimed to create energy security in the southernmost region, produce clean energy from local rubber woods and generate jobs and income for local residents. Construction is set to begin this July and finish within November 2020.