Bamnet Narong power station
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Bamnet Narong power station is a cancelled power station in Bamnet Narong, Chaiyaphum, Thailand.
Location
Table 1: Project-level location details
| Plant name | Location | Coordinates (WGS 84) |
|---|---|---|
| Bamnet Narong power station | Bamnet Narong, Chaiyaphum, Thailand | 15.500278, 101.686389 (approximate) |
The map below shows the approximate location of the power station.
Project Details
Table 2: Unit-level details
| Unit name | Status | Fuel(s) | Capacity (MW) | Technology | Start year | Retired year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | cancelled | coal - unknown | 56 | unknown | – | – |
Table 3: Unit-level ownership and operator details
| Unit name | Owner |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 | ASEAN Potash Mining PCL (APMC) [100.0%] |
Project-level captive use details
- Captive industry use (heat or power): other metals & mining
- Captive industry: Power
Background
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 was proposed to power the mine. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was developed 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 stated the EIA for the project had 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 held a licence for a 50 MW power plant to supply electricity to the mining area.[4]
In September 2019, it was reported that mining had still not begun due to public opposition.[5] As of February 2020, thousands of locals continue to oppose and resist the mine.[6]
Without any known project developments since late 2018, the power station was presumed canceled.
Ownership
In 1991, ASEAN Potash Mining Co. (APMC) was established with the Asean member countries holding the share value of 29 percent of the total value. Thailand's Ministry of Finance held 20 percent of the total value - and the remaining 51 percent was 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.[7][7]
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 sponsored by state-owned China Ming Ta Potash Corporation for Sakon Nakhon province.[8][9]
Despite the pressure on both Chinese business and local activists, protests – and Potash exploration – appear to have continued on through 2019 and 2020 in Thailand.[10]
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), December 8, 2015
- ↑ "Saksrithai Potash Project," Vatic Ventures Corporation, 2016
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Villagers petition court to revoke power-plant EIA," Bangkok Post, September 25, 2017
- ↑ "Long-running potash project seeks funds," Bangkok Post, August 7, 2018
- ↑ "Should Isaan’s salty treasure be unearthed?" The Isaan Record, September 21, 2019
- ↑ "ชาวบ้านนับพันค้านทำเหมืองแร่โปแตสในอ.โนนสูง," INN News, February 28, 2020
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "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
- ↑ "ส่อพิรุธ ! โครงการเหมืองโปแตชโคราชหมกส่อพิรุธ ! โครงการเหมืองโปแตชโคราชหมกเม็ด จัดเวทีครั้งเดียวควบสองโครงการเม็ด จัดเวทีครั้งเดียวควบสองโครงกา," ThaiNGO, March 4, 2020
- ↑ "The cost of opposing mines in Thailand’s rural heartland," Thai Enquirer, May 12, 2020
Additional data
To access additional data, including an interactive map of coal-fired power stations, a downloadable dataset, and summary data, please visit the Global Coal Plant Tracker on the Global Energy Monitor website.
