The Mae Moh Power Plant Units 8-9 have been in operation for over 30 years; therefore, its efficiency has declined over the time. The Thailand Power Development Plan 2018-2037 (PDP2018), endorsed by the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) on 24 January 2019 and acknowledged by the Cabinet on 30 April 2019 (The first revision was endorsed by the National Energy Policy Council and acknowledged by the Cabinet on 19 March 2020 and 20 October 2020 respectively), requires the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to implement the Mae Moh Power Plant Units 8-9 Replacement Project to maintain the power generating capacity and power system security in the northern region as well as the stability of Thailand’s overall power system.

 

The operation period of the power plant replacement units was considered in line with the lignite reserve in the Mae Moh Mine so as to optimize the utilization of available resources.

If the project is implemented, the total installed capacity as of 2026 will be 1,315 MW, comprising:

 

1) Mae Moh Power Plant Units 8-9 Replacement Project, with an installed capacity of 660 MW, and

2) Mae Moh Power Plant Units 4-7 Replacement Project, with an installed capacity of 655 MW.

 

The Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) Report of the Mae Moh Power Plant Units 8-9 Replacement Project also addressed the scenario of service life extension of Mae Moh Power Plant Units 10-13, hence the installed capacity will total 2,515 MW.