Thailands First Nuclear Power Plant
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Randy Cornhole
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The understudy
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Hmmm....
Thailand gets plenty of sun why not ivest in Solar Power? In recent days there has been fire break out @ 2 of Germans NUke Power Plants. Some Measurement Station in the vicnity of the NPP (Nuclear Power Plant). And both Plants had been put off line, One of them plants should go online This. Weekend/
The understudy!!!
Thailand gets plenty of sun why not ivest in Solar Power? In recent days there has been fire break out @ 2 of Germans NUke Power Plants. Some Measurement Station in the vicnity of the NPP (Nuclear Power Plant). And both Plants had been put off line, One of them plants should go online This. Weekend/
The understudy!!!
In Love with Hua Hin since 19naughty9 and it ain't fading!!!
(My fable for All Things Japanese knows no boundaries!) Proud Student of Stamford University Hua Hin Campus from 1999 to 2004 (5th Batch of Graduates.)
“Once you survive Stamford U Hua Hin Campus only you can survive anything!!!”
(My fable for All Things Japanese knows no boundaries!) Proud Student of Stamford University Hua Hin Campus from 1999 to 2004 (5th Batch of Graduates.)
“Once you survive Stamford U Hua Hin Campus only you can survive anything!!!”
Oh No,
You don't give kids play with nail guns.
hopfully somebody makes them an automatic fool proof powerplant.
Or KA-BOOM. it will be blamed on somebody else and the 20 papers that had to be filled out signed before pressing the cool down button and having them photo copied and passed upstairs and downstairs.
"it wasn't me"
very worring if there really will be a plant managed here.
You don't give kids play with nail guns.
hopfully somebody makes them an automatic fool proof powerplant.
Or KA-BOOM. it will be blamed on somebody else and the 20 papers that had to be filled out signed before pressing the cool down button and having them photo copied and passed upstairs and downstairs.
"it wasn't me"
very worring if there really will be a plant managed here.
Here's an update article from today's BKP. It lists the best places for the plant, but they can't be used as too close to large population areas. Pete 
________________________
Nuclear plants must wait for changes to law
2004 law restricts atomic energy usage
ARANEE JAIIMSIN
The government needs to amend a law regarding nuclear energy development to cover power production or Thailand cannot build any nuclear power plants in the future. Only small-scale activities without military applications, such as medical treatment and food preservation, are allowed to use nuclear energy under the country's Atomic Energy for Peace Act 2004, according to Kamol Takabut, director of the mechanical engineering division at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat).
''Therefore, the scope of activities must be revised to cover nuclear power plants, too,'' said Dr Kamol, who is one of 10 experts in nuclear technology in Thailand.
According to Dr Kamol, the Energy Ministry set up a committee to study nuclear power plant implementation in April. The body is scheduled to submit a master plan for nuclear power plants in October.
Contents of the master plan will include proposals for relevant laws and regulations, a regulatory body, safety measures, public-relations plans, a community engagement programme and recommendations on the appropriate technology for nuclear power plants.
''If the new government approves the master plan, Thailand will have two nuclear power plants with electricity generating capacity of 1,000 megawatts each in the next 13 years,'' said Dr Kamol.
According to the 15-year Power Development Plan drawn up by the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), nuclear power would contribute 5% of the overall energy supply in Thailand by 2020, and increase to 9% the next year with supply capacity of 4,000 megawatts.
''Appropriate technology is whatever that gets acceptance from the government and local communities,'' said Dr Kamol.
The committee will offer an opportunity to any company that wants to make nuclear technology presentations.
Toshiba has already presented its boiling water reactor (BWR) technology, followed by Mitsubishi with proposals for a pressurised water reactor (PWR). Currently, the committee has appointments to meet Areva of France for a PWR presentation in September. After that it will meet GE for a BWR demonstration and a Russian company offering PWR technology.
Investment costs for building a nuclear power plant total US$2,000 per kilowatt, so Thailand roughly would need $8 billion to build two nuclear power plants by 2021, noted Dr Kamol.
''We'll know about sources of funds only when the government puts the construction of nuclear power plants up for bidding,'' said Dr Kamol.
Nuclear power plants should be located adjacent to beaches. The committee says places with huge potential include Ao Phai in Chon Buri; Ban Bangberd, Ban Lamthaen and Ban Lamyang in Prachuap Khiri Khan; Ban Thongching in Chumphon; and Ban Klongmuang in Phuket.
Nevertheless, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the world's centre of co-operation in the nuclear field, does not allow atomic plants in densely populated areas so those venues would not be selected, said Dr Kamol.
Despite the fact that the master plan has bot been approved yet, the committee must work on public relations immediately in order to educate local people about the importance of nuclear power plants.
Dr Kamol noted that the Japanese government began sending officials to villages up to 20 years before nuclear plants were built.
Egat is now recruiting 10 engineers to join its nuclear engineering division this year. The division will require 36 officials in 2010, according to an IAEA recommendation.
The 439 nuclear power plants currently operating in 33 countries around the world have a combined electricity generating capacity of 385,505 megawatts. In addition, 36 plants with a combined capacity of 71,460 megawatts are under construction.
________________________
Nuclear plants must wait for changes to law
2004 law restricts atomic energy usage
ARANEE JAIIMSIN
The government needs to amend a law regarding nuclear energy development to cover power production or Thailand cannot build any nuclear power plants in the future. Only small-scale activities without military applications, such as medical treatment and food preservation, are allowed to use nuclear energy under the country's Atomic Energy for Peace Act 2004, according to Kamol Takabut, director of the mechanical engineering division at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat).
''Therefore, the scope of activities must be revised to cover nuclear power plants, too,'' said Dr Kamol, who is one of 10 experts in nuclear technology in Thailand.
According to Dr Kamol, the Energy Ministry set up a committee to study nuclear power plant implementation in April. The body is scheduled to submit a master plan for nuclear power plants in October.
Contents of the master plan will include proposals for relevant laws and regulations, a regulatory body, safety measures, public-relations plans, a community engagement programme and recommendations on the appropriate technology for nuclear power plants.
''If the new government approves the master plan, Thailand will have two nuclear power plants with electricity generating capacity of 1,000 megawatts each in the next 13 years,'' said Dr Kamol.
According to the 15-year Power Development Plan drawn up by the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), nuclear power would contribute 5% of the overall energy supply in Thailand by 2020, and increase to 9% the next year with supply capacity of 4,000 megawatts.
''Appropriate technology is whatever that gets acceptance from the government and local communities,'' said Dr Kamol.
The committee will offer an opportunity to any company that wants to make nuclear technology presentations.
Toshiba has already presented its boiling water reactor (BWR) technology, followed by Mitsubishi with proposals for a pressurised water reactor (PWR). Currently, the committee has appointments to meet Areva of France for a PWR presentation in September. After that it will meet GE for a BWR demonstration and a Russian company offering PWR technology.
Investment costs for building a nuclear power plant total US$2,000 per kilowatt, so Thailand roughly would need $8 billion to build two nuclear power plants by 2021, noted Dr Kamol.
''We'll know about sources of funds only when the government puts the construction of nuclear power plants up for bidding,'' said Dr Kamol.
Nuclear power plants should be located adjacent to beaches. The committee says places with huge potential include Ao Phai in Chon Buri; Ban Bangberd, Ban Lamthaen and Ban Lamyang in Prachuap Khiri Khan; Ban Thongching in Chumphon; and Ban Klongmuang in Phuket.
Nevertheless, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the world's centre of co-operation in the nuclear field, does not allow atomic plants in densely populated areas so those venues would not be selected, said Dr Kamol.
Despite the fact that the master plan has bot been approved yet, the committee must work on public relations immediately in order to educate local people about the importance of nuclear power plants.
Dr Kamol noted that the Japanese government began sending officials to villages up to 20 years before nuclear plants were built.
Egat is now recruiting 10 engineers to join its nuclear engineering division this year. The division will require 36 officials in 2010, according to an IAEA recommendation.
The 439 nuclear power plants currently operating in 33 countries around the world have a combined electricity generating capacity of 385,505 megawatts. In addition, 36 plants with a combined capacity of 71,460 megawatts are under construction.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
POWER PRODUCTION / POSSIBLE SITES IDENTIFIED
South tipped for nuclear plant
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Ranong, Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces have been tipped as possible sites for Thailand's first nuclear power plant, as the country continues to struggle with sharp rises in fuel costs. The three coastal provinces have been selected due to their proximity to the sea as the abundant water can be used to cool down the plant's powerful nuclear reactors.
However, the government is still cautious about the idea and says the issue of nuclear power has not been finalised.
''Based on geographical advantages, those three coastal provinces are suitable for a nuclear power plant,'' said Science and Technology Minister Yongyuth Yuthavong. ''However, we can't have the final say right now about the exact location. Just let's say it is possible.''
Nuclear power plants are commonly located close to the sea or big rivers.
Chumphon and Surat Thani are on the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong is on the Andaman coast.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand previously selected Laem Pathiu in Chumphon's Pathiu district as a site for a nuclear plant.However, the project was suspended due to the discovery of natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand, enabling the government to postpone its nuclear plans.
However, the plan has been dusted off again. With the price of fossil fuels rapidly increasing, nuclear power is once more a favoured option for alternative energy sources.
The ministry is preparing to launch an education programme in the three selected provinces to ensure better understanding among the locals of the safety and the benefits of nuclear power, as well as its importance for the country, the minister said.
Under the Power Development Plan, policy makers hope to increase electricity production to about 55,000 megawatts by 2021, with 4,000MW being provided by nuclear power.
Sirichai Keinmeesuke, deputy secretary-general of the Office of Atoms for Peace, said selecting the location was a big challenge for the nuclear power committee.
''Personally, I prefer a site close to the sea because this would reduce the burden of transport costs,'' he said.
Pricha Karasudthi, vice-president of the Nuclear Society of Thailand, said other countries had benefitted greatly from nuclear energy.
''Why don't we open our minds to learn and know more about it,'' he said.
South tipped for nuclear plant
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Ranong, Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces have been tipped as possible sites for Thailand's first nuclear power plant, as the country continues to struggle with sharp rises in fuel costs. The three coastal provinces have been selected due to their proximity to the sea as the abundant water can be used to cool down the plant's powerful nuclear reactors.
However, the government is still cautious about the idea and says the issue of nuclear power has not been finalised.
''Based on geographical advantages, those three coastal provinces are suitable for a nuclear power plant,'' said Science and Technology Minister Yongyuth Yuthavong. ''However, we can't have the final say right now about the exact location. Just let's say it is possible.''
Nuclear power plants are commonly located close to the sea or big rivers.
Chumphon and Surat Thani are on the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong is on the Andaman coast.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand previously selected Laem Pathiu in Chumphon's Pathiu district as a site for a nuclear plant.However, the project was suspended due to the discovery of natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand, enabling the government to postpone its nuclear plans.
However, the plan has been dusted off again. With the price of fossil fuels rapidly increasing, nuclear power is once more a favoured option for alternative energy sources.
The ministry is preparing to launch an education programme in the three selected provinces to ensure better understanding among the locals of the safety and the benefits of nuclear power, as well as its importance for the country, the minister said.
Under the Power Development Plan, policy makers hope to increase electricity production to about 55,000 megawatts by 2021, with 4,000MW being provided by nuclear power.
Sirichai Keinmeesuke, deputy secretary-general of the Office of Atoms for Peace, said selecting the location was a big challenge for the nuclear power committee.
''Personally, I prefer a site close to the sea because this would reduce the burden of transport costs,'' he said.
Pricha Karasudthi, vice-president of the Nuclear Society of Thailand, said other countries had benefitted greatly from nuclear energy.
''Why don't we open our minds to learn and know more about it,'' he said.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Southeast Asia to set up nuclear monitor
By JIM GOMEZ, Associated Press Writer
Sat Jul 28, 6:06 AM ET
MANILA, Philippines - Southeast Asian countries will set up a safety watchdog to ensure that nuclear power plants in the region are not used to produce weapons or aid terrorists and other criminal groups, an official said Saturday.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations wants to ensure that any member countries pursuing nuclear energy programs "do not allow the exportation of certain materials which could lead to the development of nuclear power other than for peaceful purposes," said Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo.
The possibility of nuclear weapons getting into the hands of terrorists is also a concern.
"The emergence of possible non-state actors that might be eager to resort to the threat or use of nuclear weapons highlights the seriousness of this problem," Romulo said.
The 10-nation ASEAN also plans to work more closely with the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency to improve its ability to detect any violation of a treaty banning nuclear weapons in the region, Romulo said.
ASEAN foreign ministers will discuss ways to better enforce the decade-old treaty, called the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, at an annual meeting in Manila on Monday. They are to adopt a five-year plan to ensure compliance.
The plan includes urging the world's leading nuclear powers — the United States, China, Britain, Russia and France — to declare their respect for the treaty, even if they do not formally accede to it.
The treaty bans signatories from developing, stationing, transporting, using or testing nuclear weapons in the region. ASEAN has detected no violation of the treaty since it came into force in 1997, but has been unable to persuade key nuclear powers to formally endorse it.
The five-year initiative also seeks the establishment of a regional early warning system for nuclear accidents and an emergency response plan, according to a copy seen by The Associated Press.
Romulo said ASEAN ministers would also discuss how the region, with the IAEA's help, could better detect the presence of nuclear weapons on passing foreign military warships.
Southeast Asia lies along the world's busiest sea lanes, traversed by both civilian and foreign military vessels. The United States has a heavy military presence in Asia but has traditionally refused to confirm or deny whether it transports nuclear weapons through the region or stores them on its bases there.
ASEAN was founded as an anti-communist organization during the Cold War but has evolved into a trade and political bloc. Its members — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — have all signed the nuclear treaty.
Ahead of Monday's meeting, ASEAN diplomats were also trying to settle their differences over the creation of a human rights commission under a proposed regional charter.
Myanmar, whose military government has been condemned for rights abuses, has objected to any mention of the commission in the charter, while more liberal countries such as the Philippines are strongly pushing for it.
ASEAN decided to create a charter to become a more rules-based organization with better international bargaining power.
By JIM GOMEZ, Associated Press Writer
Sat Jul 28, 6:06 AM ET
MANILA, Philippines - Southeast Asian countries will set up a safety watchdog to ensure that nuclear power plants in the region are not used to produce weapons or aid terrorists and other criminal groups, an official said Saturday.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations wants to ensure that any member countries pursuing nuclear energy programs "do not allow the exportation of certain materials which could lead to the development of nuclear power other than for peaceful purposes," said Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo.
The possibility of nuclear weapons getting into the hands of terrorists is also a concern.
"The emergence of possible non-state actors that might be eager to resort to the threat or use of nuclear weapons highlights the seriousness of this problem," Romulo said.
The 10-nation ASEAN also plans to work more closely with the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency to improve its ability to detect any violation of a treaty banning nuclear weapons in the region, Romulo said.
ASEAN foreign ministers will discuss ways to better enforce the decade-old treaty, called the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, at an annual meeting in Manila on Monday. They are to adopt a five-year plan to ensure compliance.
The plan includes urging the world's leading nuclear powers — the United States, China, Britain, Russia and France — to declare their respect for the treaty, even if they do not formally accede to it.
The treaty bans signatories from developing, stationing, transporting, using or testing nuclear weapons in the region. ASEAN has detected no violation of the treaty since it came into force in 1997, but has been unable to persuade key nuclear powers to formally endorse it.
The five-year initiative also seeks the establishment of a regional early warning system for nuclear accidents and an emergency response plan, according to a copy seen by The Associated Press.
Romulo said ASEAN ministers would also discuss how the region, with the IAEA's help, could better detect the presence of nuclear weapons on passing foreign military warships.
Southeast Asia lies along the world's busiest sea lanes, traversed by both civilian and foreign military vessels. The United States has a heavy military presence in Asia but has traditionally refused to confirm or deny whether it transports nuclear weapons through the region or stores them on its bases there.
ASEAN was founded as an anti-communist organization during the Cold War but has evolved into a trade and political bloc. Its members — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — have all signed the nuclear treaty.
Ahead of Monday's meeting, ASEAN diplomats were also trying to settle their differences over the creation of a human rights commission under a proposed regional charter.
Myanmar, whose military government has been condemned for rights abuses, has objected to any mention of the commission in the charter, while more liberal countries such as the Philippines are strongly pushing for it.
ASEAN decided to create a charter to become a more rules-based organization with better international bargaining power.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
From Aug. 9 Bangkok Post. Pete
_________________________
ENERGY / DECISION ON LOCATION EXPECTED BY OCTOBER
Naval base proposed as site for nuclear plant
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
The armed forces have offered a naval base in Chon Buri as a possible site for a nuclear power plant if other sites face opposition, a source said yesterday. The military's proposal could help the project along, although the government has yet to finalise a decision on whether to build such a plant.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont recently dusted off the plan, suspended for more than 20 years, citing the need for energy security.
The government considers Ranong, Chumphon and Surat Thani as the best sites, as they are close to the sea. The station needs water to cool its reactors.
The government has drawn up plans for a nuclear plant that could generate 4,000 megawatts by 2021.
The source said the naval base in Sattahip district fitted the conditions required for such a plant.
''Geographically, the Sattahip navy base is suitable as the water there is deep and it is remote from the local community,'' a source said.
Science and Technology Minister Yongyuth Yutthawong refused to react to the armed forces' offer, saying he had not been consulted.
''I can't say whether it is true or not. What I can say right now is that no decision has been made on the site. We need more time,'' he said.
He added that the ministry has been waiting for the government to approve a 10-million-baht budget to educate people about nuclear energy, and hold public hearings.
''We can't construct the plant without public support,'' he said.
Construction of the plant would take five years to complete and a decision on where to build it could be reached by October.
Korb Krittayakeeron, a former National Science and Technology Development Agency official, is chair of a committee on the feasibility of the plant, with six sub-committees also looking at the issue.
_________________________
ENERGY / DECISION ON LOCATION EXPECTED BY OCTOBER
Naval base proposed as site for nuclear plant
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
The armed forces have offered a naval base in Chon Buri as a possible site for a nuclear power plant if other sites face opposition, a source said yesterday. The military's proposal could help the project along, although the government has yet to finalise a decision on whether to build such a plant.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont recently dusted off the plan, suspended for more than 20 years, citing the need for energy security.
The government considers Ranong, Chumphon and Surat Thani as the best sites, as they are close to the sea. The station needs water to cool its reactors.
The government has drawn up plans for a nuclear plant that could generate 4,000 megawatts by 2021.
The source said the naval base in Sattahip district fitted the conditions required for such a plant.
''Geographically, the Sattahip navy base is suitable as the water there is deep and it is remote from the local community,'' a source said.
Science and Technology Minister Yongyuth Yutthawong refused to react to the armed forces' offer, saying he had not been consulted.
''I can't say whether it is true or not. What I can say right now is that no decision has been made on the site. We need more time,'' he said.
He added that the ministry has been waiting for the government to approve a 10-million-baht budget to educate people about nuclear energy, and hold public hearings.
''We can't construct the plant without public support,'' he said.
Construction of the plant would take five years to complete and a decision on where to build it could be reached by October.
Korb Krittayakeeron, a former National Science and Technology Development Agency official, is chair of a committee on the feasibility of the plant, with six sub-committees also looking at the issue.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
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The understudy
- Ace
- Posts: 1293
- Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2003 12:16 pm
- Location: Hua Hin, Bangkok, Berlin, L. A. rotating
Hello thee Y'all including my mate Pete
Here is some more News from Thailands fisr Niclear Power Plant from the BKK Post todas Iddue!
PM details plans for N-power
Energy needs cited but activists call for rethink
WASSANA NANUAM and APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Experts will be recruited to draw up plans for Thailand's first nuclear power plant, aimed at relieving the kingdom's reliance on oil and gas energy, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said yesterday.
Gen Surayud said nuclear power was needed as part of a long-term plan to secure an energy supply for the country.
"Nuclear power is an alternative source of energy which is clean and does not affect the environment," he told a meeting of the Defence Council College. But the premier acknowledged the need for careful handling of the system and the radioactive waste.
Thailand is a net importer of energy. It gets 90% of its oil and gas requirements from other countries, mainly in the Middle East. The annual cost is about 900 billion baht, or about 15% of gross domestic product.
To prepare for the building of the first nuclear plant, the prime minister said the country would recruit 200 experts, including nuclear physicists.
A plan for nuclear power was first floated about 30 years ago but went nowhere. The interim government appointed after the coup decided to press ahead with it because of concerns about an energy shortage over the long term.
Under the plan, the plant would produce 4,000 megawatts of power and would be operational by 2020.
The preparations for a nuclear power plant would take about seven years and construction another six, the deputy permanent secretary for energy, Kurujit Nakornthap, told an Asean energy business forum in Singapore last month.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), an agency under the Energy Ministry, is responsible for the project. It has not selected the site for the power plant yet.
However, an area close to the sea is thought most suitable because such a plant would need water to cool its nuclear reactor.
Navy commander Adm Sathiraphan Keyanont has admitted that Egat approached the navy for permission to build the plant at the Sattahip naval base in Chon Buri or in a coastal area in neighbouring Rayong province.
Adm Sathiraphan made clear that those locations would not be agreeable.
"I told Egat I would not do it. Sattahip is important for the operation of the navy. It is our home," he said.
"Rayong has a port. We cannot just give it [for the project]. We won't move elsewhere," he added.
In addition to nuclear power, Thailand is fostering energy cooperation with neighbouring countries, including the use of hydropower from Cambodia.
The prime minister said the dependence on oil would also be reduced by converting the railway from diesel to electrical power.
The nuclear project faces fierce opposition from activists concerned about the potential damage to the environment.
His Majesty the King on Aug 29 also called for careful preparations for a nuclear plant in his speech delivered to Thai ambassadors and consuls-general returning for an annual meeting to map out the country's international strategies.
Although acknowledging that the energy was clean, the King stressed the need for safety, citing the example of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
Tara Buakamsri, a climate and energy campaigner from Greenpeace, said that the government should review the power development plan, which gave full support for the construction of a nuclear power plant.
"The decision on a nuclear power plant should not be made by the government alone. We strongly need people's participation in the issue that will definitely have an acute impact upon people's lives," he said.
Chirapol Sintunawa, a lecturer at the faculty of environment and resources study at Mahidol University, said nuclear power would benefit only the industrial sector.
Such power has never brought sustainable development to locals, Mr Chirapol added.
Korb Krittayakeeron, chairman of a committee on the feasibility of nuclear power, said the committee will today discuss the King's remarks on the planned construction of the plant.
Mr Korb said he would suggest that the Energy and Science and Technology ministers seek advice from the King regarding the issue.
His committee has set up six sub-panels to work on the feasibility study of the nuclear plant as commissioned by the Energy Minister.
Thought: Where do they wanna hire those 30 Nuclear Physists? From, America, China, Japan, or even Russia or North Koreans. who knows?
Here is some more News from Thailands fisr Niclear Power Plant from the BKK Post todas Iddue!
PM details plans for N-power
Energy needs cited but activists call for rethink
WASSANA NANUAM and APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Experts will be recruited to draw up plans for Thailand's first nuclear power plant, aimed at relieving the kingdom's reliance on oil and gas energy, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said yesterday.
Gen Surayud said nuclear power was needed as part of a long-term plan to secure an energy supply for the country.
"Nuclear power is an alternative source of energy which is clean and does not affect the environment," he told a meeting of the Defence Council College. But the premier acknowledged the need for careful handling of the system and the radioactive waste.
Thailand is a net importer of energy. It gets 90% of its oil and gas requirements from other countries, mainly in the Middle East. The annual cost is about 900 billion baht, or about 15% of gross domestic product.
To prepare for the building of the first nuclear plant, the prime minister said the country would recruit 200 experts, including nuclear physicists.
A plan for nuclear power was first floated about 30 years ago but went nowhere. The interim government appointed after the coup decided to press ahead with it because of concerns about an energy shortage over the long term.
Under the plan, the plant would produce 4,000 megawatts of power and would be operational by 2020.
The preparations for a nuclear power plant would take about seven years and construction another six, the deputy permanent secretary for energy, Kurujit Nakornthap, told an Asean energy business forum in Singapore last month.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), an agency under the Energy Ministry, is responsible for the project. It has not selected the site for the power plant yet.
However, an area close to the sea is thought most suitable because such a plant would need water to cool its nuclear reactor.
Navy commander Adm Sathiraphan Keyanont has admitted that Egat approached the navy for permission to build the plant at the Sattahip naval base in Chon Buri or in a coastal area in neighbouring Rayong province.
Adm Sathiraphan made clear that those locations would not be agreeable.
"I told Egat I would not do it. Sattahip is important for the operation of the navy. It is our home," he said.
"Rayong has a port. We cannot just give it [for the project]. We won't move elsewhere," he added.
In addition to nuclear power, Thailand is fostering energy cooperation with neighbouring countries, including the use of hydropower from Cambodia.
The prime minister said the dependence on oil would also be reduced by converting the railway from diesel to electrical power.
The nuclear project faces fierce opposition from activists concerned about the potential damage to the environment.
His Majesty the King on Aug 29 also called for careful preparations for a nuclear plant in his speech delivered to Thai ambassadors and consuls-general returning for an annual meeting to map out the country's international strategies.
Although acknowledging that the energy was clean, the King stressed the need for safety, citing the example of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
Tara Buakamsri, a climate and energy campaigner from Greenpeace, said that the government should review the power development plan, which gave full support for the construction of a nuclear power plant.
"The decision on a nuclear power plant should not be made by the government alone. We strongly need people's participation in the issue that will definitely have an acute impact upon people's lives," he said.
Chirapol Sintunawa, a lecturer at the faculty of environment and resources study at Mahidol University, said nuclear power would benefit only the industrial sector.
Such power has never brought sustainable development to locals, Mr Chirapol added.
Korb Krittayakeeron, chairman of a committee on the feasibility of nuclear power, said the committee will today discuss the King's remarks on the planned construction of the plant.
Mr Korb said he would suggest that the Energy and Science and Technology ministers seek advice from the King regarding the issue.
His committee has set up six sub-panels to work on the feasibility study of the nuclear plant as commissioned by the Energy Minister.
Thought: Where do they wanna hire those 30 Nuclear Physists? From, America, China, Japan, or even Russia or North Koreans. who knows?
In Love with Hua Hin since 19naughty9 and it ain't fading!!!
(My fable for All Things Japanese knows no boundaries!) Proud Student of Stamford University Hua Hin Campus from 1999 to 2004 (5th Batch of Graduates.)
“Once you survive Stamford U Hua Hin Campus only you can survive anything!!!”
(My fable for All Things Japanese knows no boundaries!) Proud Student of Stamford University Hua Hin Campus from 1999 to 2004 (5th Batch of Graduates.)
“Once you survive Stamford U Hua Hin Campus only you can survive anything!!!”
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Guess
- Deceased
- Posts: 3470
- Joined: Fri Jul 22, 2005 3:01 pm
- Location: BangSaphan. Laurasia. Sub thumb
My first reaction was that it was just another flying pig story. However looking into the situation in greater depth without the excess baggage of the media it all sounds like a scenario that may well happen.
The demand for electricity in Thailand is growing at an alarming rate with no obvious prospect of a slow down. In fact the reverse would apply. With pressure to run cars on electricity in major cities and a greater demand for air-conditioning along with the needs of industry, Thailand has been left with little choice if it wishes to continue its economic growth or even remain static.
I don't know where the suggested locations came from but I think you can safely rule out Southern Thailand. Firstly there is no uninhabited piece of coastline between Hua Hin and Surat anymore. It is a continuous string of tourist attractions and small resorts. There is one piece of land between Surat Airport (Tha Chana) and the City of Surat but it is a little bit too close to Surat for comfort. The rest of the Southern Peninsular can be ruled out for many other reasons. Secondly the locals would not stand for it.
One factor that need to be considered is the location of the market for the electricity. If the South East area is picked you would need to build about 400 KM of pylons to take the electricity up to Chon Buri and on to Bangkok. I am not sure exactly what is on the marshlands between Highway 35 and the open sea my my guess is that it is far enough from major urbanizations to be feasible. It also has the added advantage of water supply.
As for the alternatives, what are they.
Reduce demand. Thailand already has a program in place but like other countries it reduces consumption by only a few per cent.
Wind Power. Not enough wind.
Solar power. Not enough sun and not cost effective.
Hydroelectric. Only the Mekong could supply anything worth while and that would have to be a joint effort with a neighbor.
Fossil Fuels. A complete non-starter but I am sure Dr. Dave may have an idea on this one.
Of course none of this will happen for 20 years and demand may be reduced.
In the meantime the new government needs to be looking at ways of ensuring that demand for all fuels is reduced considerably.
As it stands now I think that nuclear power is the only medium term answer so long as it is run by Japanese, US or UK management.
The demand for electricity in Thailand is growing at an alarming rate with no obvious prospect of a slow down. In fact the reverse would apply. With pressure to run cars on electricity in major cities and a greater demand for air-conditioning along with the needs of industry, Thailand has been left with little choice if it wishes to continue its economic growth or even remain static.
I don't know where the suggested locations came from but I think you can safely rule out Southern Thailand. Firstly there is no uninhabited piece of coastline between Hua Hin and Surat anymore. It is a continuous string of tourist attractions and small resorts. There is one piece of land between Surat Airport (Tha Chana) and the City of Surat but it is a little bit too close to Surat for comfort. The rest of the Southern Peninsular can be ruled out for many other reasons. Secondly the locals would not stand for it.
One factor that need to be considered is the location of the market for the electricity. If the South East area is picked you would need to build about 400 KM of pylons to take the electricity up to Chon Buri and on to Bangkok. I am not sure exactly what is on the marshlands between Highway 35 and the open sea my my guess is that it is far enough from major urbanizations to be feasible. It also has the added advantage of water supply.
As for the alternatives, what are they.
Reduce demand. Thailand already has a program in place but like other countries it reduces consumption by only a few per cent.
Wind Power. Not enough wind.
Solar power. Not enough sun and not cost effective.
Hydroelectric. Only the Mekong could supply anything worth while and that would have to be a joint effort with a neighbor.
Fossil Fuels. A complete non-starter but I am sure Dr. Dave may have an idea on this one.
Of course none of this will happen for 20 years and demand may be reduced.
In the meantime the new government needs to be looking at ways of ensuring that demand for all fuels is reduced considerably.
As it stands now I think that nuclear power is the only medium term answer so long as it is run by Japanese, US or UK management.
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An earlier article listed above mentioned the area down south where the steel factory(ies) is/are. Not sure of the name of the place as didn't scan above.Guess wrote: As it stands now I think that nuclear power is the only medium term answer so long as it is run by Japanese, US or UK management.
Regardless, His Majesty is now involved and has voiced an opinion concerning safety. Meetings with him are scheduled per the BKP today.
That's a good thing as the "mai pen rai" thinking isn't going to work with this one. They're going to need foreign design, foreign construction and foreign management for many years. The Generals and xenophobes will be chewing on wood chips over that but it's a fact they have to swallow, like it or not. Pete
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
They will think twice before picking the Bang Saphan / Ban Krud area. One testament to the tenacity of the Ban Krud people is the 'ghost town' that was to have been the Ban Krut power plant.Terry wrote:So
Bang Saphan it is then
Likewise, the monster steel company decided to build a smelter near Bang Burd. There were sign in town to the effect "You Build it, We Burn It"
I moved away from that area about 3 months ago, but heard that protests were ongoing.
The nuclear plant will likely be built wherever some big shot has, or will soon acquire, a plot of land .. and sell it to the government at outrageous profits.