Bangkok: GPSC is ready to develop SMR power plant projects with partners using Gen IV systems. Mr. Sirimeth Lipakorn, President and Acting Chief Operating Officer of Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited (GPSC), the innovation leader of the power business of PTT Group, revealed that GPSC is studying the feasibility of developing a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power plant project. It is ready to develop the project due to cooperation with partners who are experts in technology. It is confident that the government regulations that are currently being drafted will be an opportunity to open up the development of SMR.
According to Thai News Agency, the SMR technology that GPSC is currently studying and developing is a new-generation clean energy innovation from the 4th generation nuclear reactor technology (Generation IV or Gen IV). This technology will help enhance the competitive potential of the Thai industrial sector with its ability to produce stable energy, maintain high safety, and be environmentally friendly. The SMR is designed as a small power plant with a production capacity of 100-300 megawatts per unit, resulting in a fast construction period. It can be produced as prefabricated modules from the factory and meets the needs of industries by supplying both electricity and steam continuously, unlike general renewable energy that can only be produced during certain periods. The electricity production process utilizes low-enriched uranium fuel rods and a molten salt cooling system (Molten Salt Technology) to reduce risk with a passive safety system. This system relies on the principles of nature to automatically re duce heat from the fuel rods in an emergency, and there is no carbon dioxide emission during the electricity production process.
However, the development of the SMR power plant project requires a detailed study of many aspects, including the selection of appropriate locations, specific technology, safety management, and economic value. GPSC is conducting a thorough study in accordance with the framework of the country's Power Development Plan or PDP 2024, which has set a production capacity of 300 megawatts. The project is expected to begin operations at the end of the plan in 2037.