Thailand : SOLAR POWER PROJECT

Nonsovereign Project | 43936-014

SOLAR POWER PROJECT

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Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Gulshan, Karan Raj
    Private Sector Operations Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Thailand
  • Modality
  • Sector
    • Energy
Project Name SOLAR POWER PROJECT
Project Number 43936-014
Borrower / Company NATURAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
Country / Economy Thailand
Location
Type or Modality of Assistance
2628 Loan Ordinary capital resources THB 1,923.00 million Committed
Strategic Agendas Environmentally sustainable growth
Inclusive economic growth
Drivers of Change Private sector development
Sector / Subsector

Energy / Renewable energy generation - solar
Gender
Responsible ADB Department Private Sector Operations Department
Responsible ADB Division Portfolio Management Division, PSOD
Responsible ADB Officer Gulshan, Karan Raj
Project Sponsor(s)
Description SOLAR POWER PROJECT
Objectives and Scope

The Project will be Thailand's first large, utility-scale solar power generating

facility. The project will (i) diversify the energy mix through the addition of solar energy capacity; (ii) demonstrate the success of privately owned renewable generation projects.
Status of Development Objectives The Project has met or exceeded all of its development targets articulated in the RRP by i) successfully commissioning 55 MW of renewable solar power, ii) increasing Thailand's solar power generating capacity to over 95 MW, iii) increasing the SPP program to over 100 projects by 2012, iv) delivering over 80,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity annually, v) avoiding over 50,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, vi) reducing capital costs of solar power by $1 per kilowatt (kW), vii) employing over 450 people during construction and over 40 people during operations, and viii) purchasing over B2.2 billion in local goods and services during construction.
Status of Operation/Construction The Project was built within budget and ahead of schedule. The first stage of the Project achieved commercial operations in December 2011 and the final stage achieved commercial operations in March 2012. Facility Completion under the EPC Contract was achieved on 15 June 2012 and Project Completion under the financing agreements followed on 03 September 2012. NEDs additional 8MW expansion phase, which was financed purely through equity, achieved commercial operations in May 2013.
Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy The Project is in line with the country partnership strategy for Thailand 2007-2011 which focuses on three core strategic areas, namely, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and capital markets. It also meets ADB's Strategy 2020 which seeks the expansion of environmentally friendly technologies, specifically for clean and efficient energy generation and use, and a larger role for the private sector in infrastructure financing through public-private partnerships.
Safeguard Categories
Environment B
Involuntary Resettlement C
Indigenous Peoples C
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects The project has exceeded host country laws and regulations and complies with ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). Solar power is a clean technology that does not generate residual waste, greenhouse gas emissions, harmful pollutants, and noise compared to other conventional forms of power generation such as coal or thermal power plant. As the project was classified as Environmental Category B, NED prepared an Initial Environmental Examination report to meet ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) requirements. During construction the Consortium was tasked to implement the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) management plan monitoring and testing for air, water, noise level, and occupational and community health and safety to comply with ADB, NED, and national law requirements. Independent Engineers validated monthly construction progress reports through site visits and meetings with NED and the Consortium. Prior to project construction and operation, NED obtained the legally required permits and licenses as required by applicable laws have been obtained and secured by NED prior to project construction and operation. The project qualified for carbon credits under the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
Involuntary Resettlement No physical relocation or economic displacement issues were expected during project preparation. Land was procured on a willing buyerwilling seller basis following ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) requirements.
Indigenous Peoples No indigenous peoples were living within or close to the project site.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation The project has generated jobs for non-skilled workers residing in surrounding communities during plant construction and operation. NED has implemented corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to improve livelihood opportunities and promote renewable energy in the surrounding schools and community. The company has, among many other initiatives, provided 150 scholarships to local students; donated libraries, computers, and solar panels for schools; and built a 750-square-meter (m2) museum to educate the public on Lopuburi heritage and renewable energy.
Timetable for assistance design, processing and implementation
Concept Clearance 26 Oct 2009
Credit Committee Meeting -
Approval 16 Apr 2010
PDS Creation Date 14 Jan 2010
Last PDS Update 23 Sep 2022

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of, or reference to, a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Title Document Type Document Date
Solar Power Project: Extended Annual Review Report Extended Annual Review Reports Sep 2014
Solar Power Project Reports and Recommendations of the President Mar 2010

Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

Title Document Type Document Date
Solar Power Project: Environmental and Social Issues Compliance Report (January-December 2014) Environmental and Social Monitoring Reports Dec 2014
Solar Power Project: Environmental and Social Issues Compliance Report (2013) Environmental and Social Monitoring Reports Dec 2013
Solar Power Project: Environmental and Social Issues Compliance Report (July - December 2011) Environmental and Social Monitoring Reports Jan 2012
Solar Power Project: Environmental and Social Issues Compliance Report January- June 2011 Environmental and Social Monitoring Reports Jan 2011
Proposed Loan and Administration of Grant for Solar Power Project Initial Environmental Examination May 2010
Solar Power Project Environmental Assessment and Measures Mar 2010

Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

None currently available.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.