WHAUP, PEA to jointly run smart pilot project

WHA Utilities and Power Plc (WHAUP) is teaming up with the state-run Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to study and implement a pilot project under a smart energy concept in WHA Corporation’s industrial estates.

The concept includes smart microgrids, peer-to-peer energy trading, energy storage and other innovative energy solutions.

Niphon Bundechanan, the newly appointed chief executive, said WHAUP agreed with PEA for this feasibility study, but in-depth details have not been determined.

“Both parties aim to participate in the Energy Regulatory Commission [ERC] Sandbox programme and request approval from the regulator,” he said.

Mr Niphon said WHAUP set a strategic direction in 2020 towards development of innovative energy solutions for industrial estates, covering both electricity generation and energy management. The initiatives correspond with recent disruptive trends in distributed energy resources and renewable energy.

“The trends save on overall cost, provide better energy stability for industrial users and expand WHAUP’s investment portfolio to include gasfired co-generation power plants, solar rooftops and energy storage systems,” he said.

Mr Niphon said the company has witnessed the innovation of energy generation technology and management systems, which are gaining traction globally.

WHAUP is one of many energy companies participating in the ERC Sandbox, including PTT, BCPG, Gunkul Engineering, Energy Absolute and several state-run agencies.

WHAUP has developed and invested in different types of power plants including natural gas, coal, hydropower and renewable energy.

“The company is ready to invest and implement this innovative energy project in line with WHAUP’s business strategy, with power generation capacity expected to reach 591 megawatts in 2020, based on an equity portion of each project,” he said.

“We expect the smart energy concept to contribute to regional energy security and stability in electricity demand, especially in the Eastern Economic Corridor, a special economic zone aiming to promote new targeted industries.”

WHA is the operator and developer of 11 industrial estates, 19 warehouses and four logistics parks across the central and eastern regions. It has more than 750 customer service receivers and residents.