The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has commenced the commercial operations of the 24 MW Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid Project at Ubol Ratana Dam.

Located in Khon Kaen Province, Ubol Ratana Dam is designed to integrate three clean energy sources: solar energy, hydropower, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

The plant will produce electricity from solar energy during daytime and hydropower during night-time. Meanwhile, the BESS will sustain electricity generation during the transition of electricity generation between the two energy sources.

Its hydro-floating solar panels occupy less than 1% of the total reservoir area, installed with a suitable inclination for sunlight to penetrate the surface without affecting the underwater ecosystem. Additionally, Energy Management System and Weather Forecast System are integrated to improve the stability of the current electricity generation.

It is EGAT’s second floating solar hybrid project under Thailand’s Power Development Plan B.E. 2561-2580, Revision 1. Through the plan, EGAT aims to develop 16 floating solar projects at nine dams with a total installed capacity of 2,725 MW. A total of 14 more projects are included in the pipeline.