BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is exploring a sustainable solution to recurring flooding by converting water flow into electricity through small-scale hydropower projects. This approach aims to reduce flood damage, provide low-cost electricity, and store water for agricultural use, offering economic and environmental benefits to flood-affected communities.
Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, proposed the initiative during a recent visit to flood-affected areas in Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. He highlighted how utilizing strong water flows for hydropower could lower household electricity expenses and improve irrigation resources.
During his visit to Ban Huai Nam Nao in Sichon District, Minister Pirapan observed that the area’s strong water flow could support a small hydropower plant. Such a project would generate at least two megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 400 households. Additionally, it would store water for farming during dry seasons, benefiting local residents.
Minister Pirapan highlighted the cost-effectiveness of hydropower, which averages one baht per unit, compared to 4.18 baht per unit for electricity generated from natural gas. He has tasked the Ministry of Energy with assessing the feasibility of this initiative and developing a pilot project that could serve as a model for combining flood management with energy production.
He concluded that this approach addresses Thailand’s flood challenges while empowering local communities through the integration of disaster mitigation and sustainable energy solutions. (NNT)
