Connecting small renewable energy generators to the grid in Thailand: case studies & technical requirements Renewable Energy Forum Thursday, 28 October 2004 BITEC Bangna, Bangkok Chris Greacen Palang Thai www.palangthai.org

Outline Very Small Power Producer (VSPP) examples Solar Wind Biogas Technical requirements for interconnection

VSPP As Khun Rangsima has discussed, SPP and VSPP regulations allow small renewable energy power producers to sell electricity to the grid. Generators have to use renewable energy and must be less than 1 MW.

Grid interconnection of small scale renewable energy Here’s the way it works, using solar electricity as an example. Renewable energy source produces electricity. Equipment processes that electricity so that it is suitable for interconnection to the grid. Some electricity is used inside the facility for building loads. Other electricity produced goes to the grid

Biogas from Pig Farms Reduces air and water pollution Produces fertilizer Produces electricity Biogas from Pig Farms

Biogas from Pig Farms As of Jan 2004: 4 farms legally connected Potential for hundreds of farms 5000 pigs  $31 / day elec.

Grid interconnection at pig farm

100 kW Wind turbine Part of environmental training center ReCycle Engineering, Chonburi

ReCycle Engineering

Community micro-hydro Mae Kam Pong village, Chiang Mai 40 kW Community cooperative Expected gross revenues: 30,000 baht/month

40 kW micro-hydro generator at Mae Kam Pong

Korat Waste to Energy - biogas Uses waste water from cassava Removes 99% of COD Produces gas for all factory heat + 5 MW of electricity

Korat Waste to Energy - biogas 3 x 1 MW Jenbacher gas generators

Technical requirements – why? Utility is responsible for ensuring reliable, safe electricity for customers. Safety for workers. System designed for one-way flow of electricity. …but should also not impose unreasonable costs or other barriers to interconnection

Technical requirements – what? Must not island Voltage (PEA): 19.8kV – 24.2kV (nominal = 22 kV) Frequency: 50 Hz +/- 0.5. Disconnect within 0.1 sec Power factor: >0.85 (This list not complete.)

Technical requirements – relays 59/27 Overvoltage and undervoltage 50/51, 50N/51N Phase & ground overcurrent 59N Zero sequence overvoltage 67/67N Directional & gnd overcurrent 81 Over/under frequency 25 Synchronizing check

Price of high voltage breaker – 1. 7 million baht Price of high voltage breaker – 1.7 million baht. Low side only 450,000 baht.

Integrated digital relay BE1-GPS100 BASLER ELECTRIC www.basler.com BECKWITH ELECTRIC www.beckwithelectric.com

Typical interconnection with integrated relay

Resources for VSPP www.netmeter.org VSPP regulations (Thai) http://www.netmeter.org/th/regs/docs/VSPP_regulation.pdf Interconnection application form http://www.netmeter.org/th/regs/docs/connection_form.pdf Sample tariff calculations http://www.palangthai.org/en/docs/SampleTariffCalculation-new.xls

For more information Contact: Tel. 02-674-2533 chris@palangthai.org www.palangthai.org

Aggregate Net Metering Utility’s responsibility Village’s responsibility One of the unique features of the Thai regulations is that it allows for aggregate net metering. That is, an entire village can be metered as a single customer. This provision provides a mechanism for cooperatives like those in the microhydro villages I have studied to continue to play a role in electricity generation and distribution if the village chooses to connect. Village is metered as a single customer Collection of tariffs from individual households and maintenance of local lines is the responsibility of the REE.

Objectives of Power Purchase from VSPPs To promote efficient use of domestic natural resources and reduce dependency on the use of commercial fuels To open up an opportunity for remote areas to participate in electricity generation To alleviate the government’s budgetary burden to invest in electricity generation and distribution systems

Applications received (as of 20 Jan 2004) MEA PEA # of projects kW Solar PV 25 71.1 5 15.4 Biogas 1 1048 6 >750 Biomass 4 5000 Total 26 1119.1 15 >5765

Contracts signed (as of 20 Jan 2004) MEA PEA # of projects kW Solar PV 1 3.1 Biogas 4 ? Biomass 3 4000 Total 8 >4000

Sticking points… Expensive interconnection requirements VAT tax issue unresolved Concession by Department of Energy Business, Ministry of Energy Lack of awareness among potential customer generators

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