Ch Karnchang to assess Lao hydropower projects
Ch Karnchang subsidiary Southeast Asia Energy recently reached an agreement with the Lao government to conduct the feasibility study for the Nam Bak 1 and Nam Bak 2 hydropower plants.
Southeast Asia Energy expects to complete the study within 18 months. The company last year was awarded the Bt31.6-billion contract to design, construct and operate the 615-megawatt Nam Nguem II hydropower plant. Construction on Nam Nguem II has been 30 per cent completed by Ch Karnchang (Lao). "Nam Bak 1 and Nam Bak 2's combined capacity is 1,080 megawatts. It will be managed under a 30-year concession, including five years of construction work. It is also 15 kilometres from Nam Nguem II, which is very convenient for Ch Karnchang (Lao) to transfer its construction equipment to the new site," Charan Sakulthavorn, deputy managing director of Southeast Asia Energy, said yesterday. Water from Nam Bak could also be diverted to Nam Nguem II for the generation of 250 kilowatts per year. Southeast Asia Energy considers this an attractive investment and its capability could be maximised in a short while. Power generation could start in 2013, he said. The company is 50 per cent owned by Ch Karnchang and subsidiaries including Bangkok Expressway, 25 per cent by Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding and 25 per cent by the Lao government's state power enterprise.
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