Ratch to Expand Energy Business Abroad

15 May, 2012
Source: Thailand Outlook

Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding is holding back on investing in alternative energy until there is a clearer stance from the government.

Vice-President of Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding in charge of Business Planning and Development, Peerawat Phumthong, revealed that his company, which is also known as Ratch, has set a budget of seven billion baht to expand its business in Thailand, Laos, Australia, Cambodia and other Asian countries.

The company is also looking to invest in both large and small plants, including those of alternative energy and related businesses, to increase the value of electrical production.

As for its investment project in a coal mine in Queensland, Australia, Ratch is expecting further progress by this quarter.

It is also planning to open a commercialized mine by this year and hold at least 20 percent stake in it.

The company is entering the coal mining business in order to supply raw material to its coal-fired power plants in Myanmar and Cambodia.

Once it has finalized the deal, the company will look into the possibility of constructing another coal-fired power plant in Australia.

At any rate, Australia's carbon credit regulation must be thoroughly reviewed before any decision is made.

Peerawat added that Ratch will increase its investment in alternative energy in Thailand as promoted by the Thai government.

This year, the company has the total electrical production output of nearly 5,500 megawatts from all of its plants in Thailand and abroad.

Once all of the planned projects are incorporated, the production capacity would be raised to more than 6,600 megawatts.

Peerawat has also pointed out that the growth of energy consumption is reflecting the economic recovery in Thailand.