Thai interest in Bhutanese mini hydels
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November 11 - Two major Thai electricity companies, electricity generating authority of Thailand (EGAT) and provincial electricity authority (PEA) are exploring the possibility of constructing mini hydropower stations in Bhutan in collaboration with the Bhutan Power corporation (BPC).
The two parties have been cooperating in training of BPC personnel, the exchange of technical and executive personnel to work on sites in both Bhutan and Thailand, and on upgrading electrical transmission systems technology in Bhutan.
The PEA deputy governor, Suttidej Suttisom, told Kuensel his company was exploring the possibility of constructing two 20 MW hydropower stations in Bhutan. Suttisom said PEA would conduct feasibility studies in the near future.
BPC executive director, Gem Tshering, confirmed that PEA and EGAT are “looking into investing in the power sector.” But the executive director added that any possibility of the Thai companies investing in “new mini hydel projects in Bhutan depended on the government’s policy of foreign direct investment.” The executive director said, “BPC looks forward to the professional development of BPC professionals, and the exchange programmes. However, on the investment plans, that’s solely dependent on the ministry of economic affairs ministry.”
Currently, the two companies are already involved with BPC in maintaining mini hydropower projects in Bhutan.
On why the Thai companies were considering investing in Bhutan, PEA deputy governor, Suttisom, said, “We understand Bhutan is developing, and we hope to help Bhutan in saving the environment. We’d like to see Bhutan as an example to the developed world of being self-sufficient despite its differences from developed countries.” The PEA deputy governor added, “It’s also because we love your country and culture, and of course your Kings.”
BPC and the two companies, who share close cooperation, extended their cooperation on November 5 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. Cooperation between BPC and the Thai companies was officially established in 2007.
source: kuensel
