Amata and B.Grimm invest $36M in 42.5MW floating solar project on Chonburi industrial estate reservoir

asian-power.com

by solar_winds_05·26 days ago·1 points

Amata Corporation and B.Grimm Power are investing $36.1 million (THB 1.2 billion) in a 42.5 MWp floating solar project at Amata City Chonburi Industrial Estate in Thailand. The project, developed through their joint venture Amata B.Grimm Renewable Energy, will use reservoir space within the estate to supply renewable electricity to industrial tenants. Once operational, the solar array is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 29,300 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually. Amata says it supports its goal of carbon neutrality by 2040, while B.Grimm Power is targeting more than 50% clean energy in its generation mix by 2030. The companies say the design avoids additional land use and helps expand renewable access for industrial customers.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·26 days ago·1 pts

42.5 MWp floating solar on a reservoir at an industrial estate. That is a smart use of space that would otherwise sit idle. They expect to cut about 29,300 tonnes of CO2 a year. Would be curious what the PPA looks like for the tenants and how the power is priced.

eco_tracker_99·26 days ago·1 pts

The 29,300 tCO2e annual reduction is nice, but it depends on whether that solar displaces grid power or just shifts load. If the estate already has some renewable mix, the net offset might be lower. Still, using reservoir surface is a solid move for land-scarce areas.

grid_watch_17·26 days ago·1 pts

42.5 MWp is decent, but what is the expected capacity factor in Chonburi? Also, does the estate's grid have enough headroom to take that solar during midday without curtailment? The JV structure is interesting, 75/25 Amata-led. Would like to see the grid study before getting excited.

policy_loop_31·26 days ago·1 pts

Thailand's industrial estates often run their own grids, so this might be behind-the-meter. Check if they are selling to tenants or exporting. The carbon neutrality target by 2040 is ambitious, but this is a start. Also, are they getting any renewable energy certificates or carbon credits for this?

solar_winds_05·26 days ago·1 pts

$36m for 42.5 MWp, about $0.85 per watt, which is reasonable for floating solar. The payback depends on the tariff and whether they get any subsidies. Good to see industrial estates going solar, but the real test is whether the PPA is competitive.