Thai state energy firm to produce floating solar panels

Global Power Synergy, a unit of state energy conglomerate PTT, will begin manufacturing floating solar panels and pontoons to increase power generation at dams as Thailand continues it transition to greener energy production.

Thailand is in the process of building and installing the largest floating solar power plant in the world at the Sirindhorn dam in northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province. That plant will produce 45 megawatts of power form over 14,000 solar panels floating on the dam’s reservoir. The project has proven the potential and viability of floating solar farms.

Capitalizing on that development, Global Power Synergy (GPSC) has established a business to produce polymer-made floating structure for solar panels it calls “G Float.” Made from high-density polyethylene, the G Float was jointly developed by GPSC and PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC) in their search for the right material to make buoys.

G Float panels have been designed to enhance the capacity of electricity generation by having solar panels installed on high-performing and long-lasting floating structures, with good rigidity and stress cracking resistance, according to Rosaya Teinwan, GPSC Executive Vice-President for Business Development.

G Float’s design facilitates quick assembling of solar panels and easy maintenance. G Float is also compatible with solar panels of multiple sizes and weights.

GPSC has been at the forefront of solar power innovation in Thailand. It pioneered peer-to-peer trading of solar power from rooftop panels in a neighborhood in Bangkok. The peer-to-peer sharing relies on blockchain technology.

The company is also expanding overseas. A GPDC executive said the company would acquire a 25 megawatts on-ground solar farm in Taiwan, with the deal expected to be signed this year.

Photo courtesy of https://www.egat.co.th/