Bamnet Narong power station
{{#Badges:CoalSwarm|Navbar-Thailandcoal}} Bamnet Narong power station is a proposed 56-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power station in Chaiyaphum province, Thailand.
Contents
Location
The map below shows the location of Bamnet Narong district, the approximate location where the plant would be built.
Background on Plant
On February 16, 2015, ASEAN Potash Mining Co. (APMC) won a license from the Thailand Industry Ministry for a 1.1 mtpa potash mine in Bamnet Narong district. A 56 MW coal plant is planned to power the mine. The EIA was held in December 2015, and the company expected to complete the construction of its facilities by 2019.[1]
A 2016 presentation on potash mining in the region states the EIA for the project has been approved,[2] although in 2017 it was reported that the EIA process was ongoing.[3]
In July 2017 ASEAN proposed changing the power plant’s fuel type from coal to biomass, coconut, and palm nut shells. The company has been conducting an EIA for both projects, a coal plant and a biomass plant. Locals say they oppose the plant whether it is coal or biomass-fired.[3]
In August 2018 it was reported that Asean Potash was still seeking funding for the potash mine, and still facing strong opposition from villagers and activist groups. It was reported that the company holds a licence for a 50 MW power plant to supply electricity to the mining area.[4]
Ownership
In 1991, ASEAN Potash Mining Co. (APMC) was established with the Asean member countries holding the share value of 29 per cent of the total value. The Ministry of Finance Thailand held 20 per cent of the total value - and the remaining 51 per cent held by the private sector.[1]
Opposition
The coal plant has been opposed by local residents. In December 2015 people from Chaiyaphum’s Bamnet Narong district lodged complaints with the Bangkok-based embassies of five Asean nations to press for the scrapping of plans to set up a coal-fired power plant in their hometown.[1]
In 2016 it was reported that members of the military were personally harassing protestors at their home. The article also stated that project owner ASEAN had pushed ahead with plant construction despite opposition by locals.[5][5]
In September 2017 over 500 villagers sought a court order to suspend the process for issuing a permit for the plant. The villagers said the EIA had been conducted without due process since there was no local participation.[3]
In March 2019 it was reported that locals continued to protest another proposed potash mine, this one proposed by state-owned China Ming Ta Potash Corporation for Sakon Nakhon province.[6]
Project Details
- Sponsor: ASEAN Potash Mining Co. (APMC)
- Location: Bamnet Narong district, Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand
- Coordinates: 15.500278, 101.686389 (approximate)
- Status: Pre-permit development
- Capacity: 56 MW
- Type:
- Projected in service:
- Coal Type:
- Coal Source:
- Source of financing:
Articles and resources
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chularat Saengpassa and Visarut Sankham, "Residents appeal to Asean to help block Thai power plant," The Nation (Thailand), 08 December 2015
- ↑ "Saksrithai Potash Project," Vatic Ventures Corporation, 2016
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Villagers petition court to revoke power-plant EIA," Bangkok Post, 25 Sep 2017
- ↑ "Long-running potash project seeks funds," Bangkok Post, August 7, 2018
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Intimidation against villagers who oppose coal-fired power plant must stop," Protection International, May 30, 2016
- ↑ "Thai villagers continue to fight Chinese plans for potash mine," SCMP, March 24, 2019
