The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) is set to expedite 14 floating solar farm projects with a total capacity of 2,656 megawatts, strategically positioned across seven hydroelectric dams as part of the 2024 national power development plan (PDP).

The dams involved include Bhumibol, Sirikit, Srinakarin, Vajiralongkorn, Chulabhorn, Bang Lang, and Rajjaprabha.

This initiative aims to enhance the renewable energy ratio to 51% by 2037, up from 20% in 2023, while reducing fossil fuel dependency.

Egat's first floating solar farm began operations in December 2021 at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani, generating 45MW, followed by a second farm at Ubolratana Dam in Khon Kaen in March 2024 with a capacity of 24MW.

Construction for three new solar farms totaling 348MW is slated to commence early next year, with the largest being a 158MW project at Bhumibol Dam.

These projects, costing 13 billion baht, are expected to be operational between 2026 and 2027, pending approval from the Energy Ministry.

Despite mirroring the solar capacity from the previous 2018 PDP, the new plan marks a renewed commitment to renewable energy infrastructure.