1. 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

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

3. 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.

4. 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

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

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

7. Grid interconnection at pig farm

8. 100 kW Wind turbine Part of environmental training center
ReCycle Engineering, Chonburi

9. ReCycle Engineering

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

11. 40 kW micro-hydro generator at Mae Kam Pong

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

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

14. 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

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

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

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

19. Integrated digital relay
BE1-GPS100
BASLER ELECTRIC
BECKWITH ELECTRIC

20. Typical interconnection with integrated relay

21. Resources for VSPP www.netmeter.org
VSPP regulations (Thai)
Interconnection application form
Sample tariff calculations

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

23. 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.

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. Today's Central Utility Tomorrow's Distributed Utility?
Central Generation
Central Generation
Wind
Remote Loads
Genset
Fuel Cell
Battery
Customer Efficiency PV
Customers 28
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