FTI proposes SMR to reduce LNG risk in industrial estates

Matichon•Economy•15h ago

Reader Briefing

The Federation of Thai Industries proposes using Small Modular Reactors (SMR) to replace natural gas power plants in industrial estates to mitigate LNG price risks.

•Natee Sittiprasat of the FTI suggested SMRs as a Cogeneration alternative for electricity, heat, and steam.
•The proposal aims to reduce Thailand's reliance on imported LNG, which is subject to global price volatility and conflict.
•The draft PDP 2026 includes an initial SMR capacity of 300 MW with a potential long-term target of 9,000 MW.
•Public hearings for the draft PDP 2026 are scheduled for September 8, 2026.

Overview

•The seminar 'NEW ENERGY FOR THAILAND' was held on August 26 at the Pullman King Power Hotel Bangkok (Rang Nam) by the Matichon editorial team.
•Natee Sittiprasat stated that relying on imported LNG increases energy price risks, citing price spikes over 50 USD/MMBtu during the Russia-Ukraine war.
•Natee Sittiprasat argued that the PDP should prioritize national competitiveness and worthiness over simply finding the cheapest energy source.
•Natee Sittiprasat reported that the PDP drafting subcommittee visited China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) in China and saw six SMR units built by the sea for a new industrial estate.
•The proposed plan for SMR begins at 300 MW, with a goal of 9,000 MW that can be adjusted based on the situation.
•Natee Sittiprasat noted that businesses now require 'green' energy to meet environmental conditions and trade competition.
•The draft PDP 2026 is scheduled for public hearings on September 8, 2026, to gather feedback from the public, industry, and investors.

Full article content is available on the original source.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

Natee Sittiprasat

"Natural gas from the Gulf of Thailand is not expensive because we drill it ourselves, but experience teaches us that once it runs out, we must import LNG."

ก๊าซธรรมชาติถ้าได้จากอ่าวไทยก็ไม่แพง ขุดเอง ของเราเอง แต่ประสบการณ์สอนเราว่า พอเราเริ่มใช้แล้วมันหมดไป ไม่พอ ต้องนำเข้า เอา LNG เข้ามา

Natee Sittiprasat

"Today we cannot talk about low prices alone; we must discuss whether it is worthwhile. Therefore, 'national competitiveness' is the most important factor."

วันนี้เราพูดเรื่องราคาถูกอย่างเดียวไม่ได้ ต้องพูดถึงว่ามันคุ้มค่าหรือไม่ เพราะฉะนั้นจะมีอีกตัวคือ ‘ขีดความสามารถในการแข่งขันของประเทศ’ อันนี้สำคัญที่สุด

Key Entities

Organization

Federation of Thai Industries(สภาอุตสาหกรรมแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️

An organization whose Renewable Energy Industry Group chairman proposed SMRs for industrial estates.

Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand(การไฟฟ้าฝ่ายผลิตแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️

The organization where Ekarat Samintrapanya serves as Assistant Governor for Power Plant Planning.

Chulalongkorn University(จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย)ℹ️

The university where Somboon Ratsamee heads the Department of Nuclear Engineering.

Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited(โกลบอล เพาเวอร์ ซินเนอร์ยี่ จำกัด (มหาชน))

An organization referred to as GPSC where Sirimet Leepakorn is President and Acting COO.

Matichon(มติชน)ℹ️

The editorial team that organized the 'NEW ENERGY FOR THAILAND' seminar.

China General Nuclear Power Groupℹ️

A Chinese state-owned nuclear energy enterprise visited by the PDP drafting subcommittee.

Person

Natee Sittiprasat(นที สิทธิประศาสน์)

Chairman of the Renewable Energy Industry Group of the Federation of Thai Industries.

Ekarat Samintrapanya(เอกรัฐ สมินทรปัญญา)

Assistant Governor for Power Plant Planning at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.

Somboon Ratsamee(สมบูรณ์ รัศมี)

Head of the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University.

Sirimet Leepakorn(ศิริเมธ ลี้ภากรณ์)

President and Acting Chief Operating Officer of Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited.

Bancha Chumchaivej(บัญชา ชุมชัยเวทย์)

The moderator of the seminar session.

Policy

Draft Power Development Plan 2026 (PDP 2026)(ร่างแผนพัฒนากำลังผลิตไฟฟ้าของประเทศไทย หรือ PDP 2026)

A 25-year long-term energy plan for Thailand scheduled for public hearings on September 8, 2026.

Place

Pullman King Power Hotel Bangkok (Rang Nam)(โรงแรมพูลแมน คิง เพาเวอร์ กรุงเทพฯ (รางน้ำ))

The venue where the 'NEW ENERGY FOR THAILAND' seminar was held.