KHON KAEN, Thailand – Minister of Energy Akanat Promphan concluded an official inspection in Khon Kaen Province to monitor solar-powered agricultural projects and review supply chain integration between the Phu Horm natural gas field and the Nam Phong Power Plant, aiming to expand onshore gas concessions to reduce foreign fuel imports. The Minister of Energy, accompanied by Permanent Secretary for Energy Prasert Sinsukprasert, inspected a self-sufficiency community development initiative funded by the ministry. The project features a solar-powered groundwater well system paired with a solar drying greenhouse to assist 44 local farmers. This infrastructure has modernized rural cultivation, allowing community members to grow premium dome-enclosed raised-bed crops while reducing production time and increasing household incomes.
The Minister then arrived at the Nam Phong Power Plant, where he was received by EGAT Governor Narin Phoawanich. The facility operates as a 710-megawatt combined-cycle thermal power plant and is the sole primary power-generating station in Northeast Thailand, using domestic onshore natural gas from the Nam Phong and Phu Horm reserves. For over 30 years, the plant has secured grid stability in the northeastern region and now provides crucial flexibility to manage peak electricity demand at night during Thailand’s energy transition.
The inspection concluded at the Sin Phu Horm natural gas development project, spanning 232.2 square kilometers across Udon Thani and Khon Kaen provinces. Current output averages 98 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, accounting for 3.6% of total domestic production. In the past three years, the asset generated 3,078.94 million THB in total royalties, allocating 1,847.37 million THB directly to local government administrations. The Minister affirmed that the ministry will fast-track new onshore natural gas concessions to maximize domestic self-reliance and secure national energy sovereignty. (NNT)
