WHAUP plans to expand renewables business
WHA Utilities and Power Plc (WHAUP), the utility and power arm of industrial developer WHA Corp, plans to expand its renewable energy business in line with the new Power Development Plan (PDP), which is expected to accelerate the country's transition to clean energy.
WHA Utilities and Power Plc (WHAUP) intends to broaden its renewable energy sector in alignment with the forthcoming Power Development Plan (PDP). This plan, slated to run from 2026 to 2050, aims to escalate Thailand's reliance on renewable energy to 50% within the first ten years. WHAUP is gearing its utility and clean energy solutions to aid industrial customers, business associates, and communities in their journey towards a low-carbon future.
Among the company's anticipated growth catalysts is its solar energy offerings, which are poised to play a significant role as Thailand intensifies its embrace of renewable energy. WHAUP's chief executive, Akarin Prathuangsit, disclosed that the firm has inaugurated two solar power projects with a collective capacity of 14 megawatts (MW) for Auto Alliance (Thailand) at the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Rayong.
These projects, encompassing a 6MW rooftop solar setup and an 8MW floating solar system, are projected to cater to approximately 25% of the automaker's electricity requirements, concurrently diminishing carbon emissions and energy expenses. Auto Alliance (Thailand), a collaboration between Mazda and Ford, currently derives about 25% of its electricity from renewable sources and has set a goal of achieving 100% renewable energy utilization by 2035.
Mr. Prathuangsit also hinted at potential growth avenues if regulations were altered to permit the sale of surplus electricity across industrial parks. WHAUP further endorsed the government's intention to launch a pilot direct power purchase agreement (PPA) system under the 2026 PDP. This scheme would enable power generators to vend renewable electricity directly to industrial clients.
Currently, peer-to-peer electricity trading is prohibited in Thailand. The proposed direct PPA program aims to broaden access to clean energy and bolster the government's objective of hastening decarbonization across various sectors. In parallel to its renewable energy initiatives, WHAUP persists in augmenting its industrial water endeavors, which maintain high demand.
The company is investing in advanced water reclamation systems to champion circular economy tenets and bolster resource security in the Eastern Economic Corridor. By converting industrial wastewater into treated water for reuse, WHAUP assists manufacturers in mitigating their environmental footprint while minimizing operating costs. By 2026, the company aims to vend up to 170 million cubic meters of water to industrial clients.
Written by urgent.news from Bangkok Post Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
