During a recent visit, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, revealed the potential for increased import of hydroelectric power from Laos to reduce reliance on natural gas. However, experts are concerned that this could lead Laos to construct new dams on the Mekong River, potentially impacting the local ecology and society. Furthermore, the electricity costs may not be as low as anticipated.
On December 3rd, during his visit to No. 3 high-voltage substation of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) located in Udon Thani Province, Pirapan expressed that due to significant fluctuations in natural gas prices, expanding the import of electricity from Laos should help control the rise in electricity costs. Additionally, he emphasized the cleanliness of hydroelectric power as a renewable energy source. However, he also cautioned the EGAT to communicate clearly with the public and avoid the escalation of debt issues.
The No. 3 high-voltage substation was completed in 2016 with an investment of 859 million baht (approximately 24 million USD). It primarily receives electricity from independent power plants associated with Laos's Nam Ngum 2 Dam, Nam Ngiep 1 Dam, and Nam Theun 1 Dam. The cumulative power supply capacity is approximately 1516 MW.
