Private sector urged to give more importance to nuclear power

BANGKOK, 20 September 2009 (NNT) – A tripartite private sector committee has encouraged the public sector to seriously consider the use of nuclear power to produce power electricity after the country faced another shortage of natural gas for electricity generation.

The tripartite private sector committee, including representatives of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Thai Bankers’ Association, organized a seminar on nuclear power. Many private and public organizations were also present in the seminar. Power Policy Bureau Director Samerjai Suksumek said 70% of Thailand’s electricity is generated from natural gas–two-third of the gas is from the Gulf of Thailand while the rest is imported from Myanmar.

Mr Samerjai also expressed concerns over rising energy demand amid a domestic short supply. He said the Energy Ministry was studying a nuclear power development project and would propose it to the government around the end of 2010.

Meanwhile, FTI Deputy Secretary-General Chen Namchaisiri indicated the necessity of studies on energy risks and security. He suggested the government reduce electricity import and generate electricity in the country more.