Chinese solar cells urged

Jun 19 - McClatchy-Tribune Content Agency, LLC - Bangkok Post, Thailand

 

China Power Investment Corporation, one of China's five largest state-owned electricity producers, is being urged to invest in establishing solar cell factories in Thailand.

The Thai government plans to rev up its alternative energy expansion.

National Reform Council whip Alongkorn Ponlaboot said China Power representatives called on Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula yesterday to express their interest in becoming a future partner of Thailand for power development, transport infrastructure, water management and energy cooperation.

Mr Alongkorn said MR Pridiyathorn urged China Power to invest in a solar cell production plant as the government intends to cut solar cell imports and China is capable of making cheaper solar cells than Western countries.

Thailand is trying to cut its reliance on natural gas for power production, with a new power development plan for 2015-36 calling for natural gas to drop from 65% to 40%, with clean coal making up 20-25%, renewable energy 15-20%, hydropower 15-20% and nuclear 0-5%.

The PDP aims to produce an additional 57,459 megawatts of electricity by 2036.

www.bangkokpost.com

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