The second stage of a 44MW solar power plant in Thailand is to receive 9.43MW of solar panels and technical support from Suntech Power. Upon completion, the project, which is owned by Bangchak Petroleum Public and integrated by Solartron Public, is expected to be one of the largest in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The contract comes after Suntech was chosen to provide 34.5MW of solar panels and technical support for the project’s first phase back in August 2010.
“This is another strong step forward with Bangchak and Solartron, as we work together to drive the emerging solar industry in Thailand and Southeast Asia,” said Andrew Beebe, Suntech’s CCO. “With steady economic growth, burgeoning electricity demands, and plenty of excellent sunlight, countries throughout the region stand to benefit both economically and environmentally by harnessing nature’s most abundant energy resource.”
The renewable energy generated by the plant will be purchased and distributed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) under long-term power purchase agreements. The plant is expected to create over 200 local jobs for the facility’s development, installation and maintenance.
“This historic solar project represents the beginning of our fifteen billion Bhat initiative to develop around 140MW of installed solar capacity in Thailand,” said Dr. Anusorn Sangnimnuan, president of the Bangchak Petroleum Public. “We are excited about working with Suntech to achieve long-term energy security and to combat climate change, as we strive to become a carbon-neutral company.”
Upon completion the solar facility will be opened to the community as an on-site visitor centre. The centre will feature an elegant Suntech building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) installation which will be viewed by local school pupils, residents, and tourists, who will learn about solar technology.
