Songkhla: The Ministry of Energy conducted an inspection of southern Thailand's energy infrastructure in Songkhla province. This initiative aims to connect with the ASEAN power grid and enhance energy security as part of the new Power Development Plan (PDP). The inspection also focused on preparations for signing a new MTJDA contract for Block A-18 at Gastech 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert Sinsukprasert, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, and Mr. Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Energy, led the inspection team. They assessed two strategic energy sites crucial for the country's energy strategy.
The first site inspected was the Khlong Ngae High Voltage Substation, operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in Sadao District, Songkhla Province. This substation is integral to the electricity transmission system in the lower southern region, serving as a key component in the ASEAN Power Grid project. It plays a pivotal role in electricity trading between Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore under the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore on Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP). Additional STATCOM equipment will be installed to stabilize voltage and support future renewable energy sources, aligning with the new PDP.
The inspection also included the Chana Natural Gas Separation Plant, operated by Trans Thai-Malaysia (Thailand) Limited (TTM). This plant processes natural gas from the Thai-Malaysian Joint Development Area (MTJDA) and separates it into various products, including methane for electricity generation and LPG for export. The Permanent Secretary highlighted MTJDA as a global success model for managing petroleum production. A new gas development contract is set to be signed at the "Gastech 2026" event in Thailand to restore production levels.
TTM is also adapting to the evolving global energy landscape by shifting from being an "Infrastructure Provider" to a "Value Creator." This includes leveraging assets to develop new businesses, such as a solar farm project, a gas separation plant value-added project, and initiatives for carbon dioxide reuse and biomethane development.