Krabi coal power station – Global Energy Monitor

Krabi coal power station – Global Energy Monitor

Thailand’s energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, as the nation navigates the complex tradeoffs between its reliance on fossil fuels and its growing commitments to renewable energy and environmental protection. At the center of this dynamic is the contentious Krabi coal power station project, which has sparked fierce debates and mobilized local communities in the southern province of Krabi.

The Geographical Context

Nestled along the Andaman Sea coast, the Krabi province is renowned for its picturesque beaches, lush mangrove forests, and vibrant marine ecosystems. This ecologically sensitive region is a major tourist draw, generating substantial economic activity through its thriving eco-tourism industry. The proposed site for the Krabi coal power station is located in the Nua Khlong district, in close proximity to the popular Koh Lanta island and other coastal communities.

Project Specifications and Fuel Sourcing

The Krabi coal power station was initially envisioned as an 870-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant, to be developed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The project would have also included the construction of the Ban Klong Rua coal seaport, designed to facilitate the import of coal from Indonesia, Australia, and Africa to fuel the plant.

According to EGAT’s plans, the power station was targeted for completion by 2019, as part of the nation’s broader Power Development Plan for 2015-2036. However, the project has faced persistent delays and opposition from local communities, who have voiced concerns over the environmental and health impacts of the proposed coal facility.

Environmental Concerns and Community Resistance

The Krabi coal power station has been a lightning rod for environmental activism and community mobilization. Residents of the surrounding areas have long protested the project, citing the potential for severe air and water pollution, as well as the threat to the region’s thriving eco-tourism industry.

In 2013, activists and local communities staged protests against the planned coal plants in Krabi, highlighting the health impacts of previous coal-fired facilities in the area. Concerns were raised about the increased risk of respiratory problems and cancer among the local population. The protests gained momentum in 2014, with villagers expressing fears that the coal plant and associated port would damage the region’s natural assets and undermine its economic reliance on eco-tourism.

These concerns were further amplified in 2015 when the Thai government’s Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) rejected the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Ban Klong Rua coal seaport and the Krabi coal-fired power plant. The panel reviewing the EIA found that it “does not present comprehensive information, nor does it incorporate all concerns from every sector.”

Regulatory Hurdles and Policy Interventions

In response to the growing opposition, the Thai government has taken a series of steps to address the controversy surrounding the Krabi coal power station. In 2015, the government agreed to set up a joint committee to review the environmental and health assessment of the project and consider renewable energy alternatives.

However, the permitting and approval process has been further complicated by policy interventions from the Thai military junta. In 2016, the National Council for Peace and Order, led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, issued an order that exempted power plants and other industrial projects from city planning restrictions, potentially paving the way for the Krabi coal power station to proceed.

This move was met with widespread criticism, as it was seen as a means to circumvent environmental regulations and bypass public consultation. The Protect Andaman from Coal Network rallied against the order, urging the government to renew the Krabi Environmental Protection Zone without any legal loopholes that could enable the construction of the coal-fired plant.

Shifting Tides and Renewable Energy Prospects

As the controversy surrounding the Krabi coal power station has unfolded, Thailand’s energy landscape has been undergoing a gradual shift towards renewable sources. In 2017, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Ministry of Energy of Thailand released a report stating that renewables could reach 37% of the country’s energy mix by 2036, surpassing the 30% renewable energy target of the Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP) 2015.

This trend has fueled hope among environmental advocates and local communities, who have called for the government to prioritize clean energy solutions over the contested Krabi coal power station. In 2018, the Energy Ministry announced a delay in the decision-making process for the Krabi and Thepha coal power station projects, stating that it would conduct further feasibility studies and consider alternative energy sources.

Navigating the Path Forward

The Krabi coal power station saga highlights the complex challenges Thailand faces in balancing its energy security needs, economic development goals, and environmental commitments. As the nation continues its transition towards a more sustainable energy future, the fate of the Krabi project remains uncertain, with ongoing debates and shifting policy priorities shaping the outcome.

Ultimately, the resolution of this contentious issue will require a delicate balance between the interests of local communities, the energy sector, and the broader environmental agenda. By embracing the opportunities presented by renewable energy technologies and fostering inclusive stakeholder engagement, Thailand can chart a path forward that aligns with its long-term sustainability goals and the aspirations of its citizens.

To stay informed on the latest developments in Europe’s clean energy transition, visit the European Future Energy Forum for in-depth analysis and expert insights.

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