The floating solar park at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani.
The B.Grimm Power-Energy China consortium has completed work on its hydro-floating solar hybrid project at Sirindhorn Dam for the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), which is considered the largest of its kind in the world.
Completion enabled the first synchronization of the 45 megawatt floating solar park, which is operated together with the 45 MW hydropower plant on Sirindhorn Dam, with the Egat grids on July 30th.
Commercial operation is due to start in October by the state energy supply company.
As a contractor for Egat, the consortium of B.Grimm Power Plc (BGRIM) and China Energy Group Shanxi Electric Power Engineering Co Ltd (Energy China) has its duties for the Sirindhorn Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid Project (SHFSHP) according to the 842 million -Baht contract signed on January 20th last year.
The project includes the installation of seven sets of solar panels, buoys, a concrete underwater anchor system and a switchgear building at the site in the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani.
“We are pleased and proud to be part of the endeavor to usher in a new era for the development of renewable energies in Thailand by integrating solar and hydropower into a hybrid system,” said Harald Link, Chairman and President of BGRIM.
The successful synchronization of SHFSHP is the realization of a pioneering green energy concept that will help strengthen the country's energy security, he said.
The solar park covers an area of more than 450 Rai on the reservoir.
The solar panels and associated equipment are mounted on buoys made of high-density polyethylene, which is not harmful to aquatic animals or the environment, said Mr Link.
The solar panels are of the double glass type and the system is moisture resistant and can withstand the movement of water from the reservoir and constant wind force.
The system shares various existing resources on the dam, including transformers, transmission lines and high voltage substations, making it inexpensive to operate and resulting in a lower tariff.
The project aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 47,000 tons per year.
Link said the SHFSHP provides a model for development on other dams.