Press Release
Bangkok, Thailand
30-09-2021
3 min read
Hitachi ABB Power Grids supplies E-mesh to develop new digitally-powered microgrid for Thailand’s Betong District
Battery energy storage system supports the stability of Thailand's energy network and will help the country meet its climate goals.
Hitachi ABB Power Grids is actively developing an advanced digitally-driven microgrid for the Betong district in Thailand’s Yala province with local EPC partner, RSS 2016 Public Company Limited for the local utility, Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). The existing Betong District distribution system often experiences outages and network interruptions. As part of Thailand’s overall electric power network development initiative, PEA aims to develop a secure, reliable, high-quality electric power network. The utility plans to include distributed generators and renewable energy resources to create a foundation for future energy management. As part of this larger effort, PEA has prioritized development of a microgrid for Betong, to be commissioned in 2022.
Hitachi ABB Power Grids Ltd. was selected to implement both the e-mesh PowerStore battery energy storage system (BESS) and distribution management system (DMS600) to improve both system reliability and quality of power with advanced digitalization capabilities. The goal is to reduce peak demand, power losses in the distribution line, and levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
"The Betong district is a valley surrounded by mountains on the Malaysian border. It has a 33 kV distribution line and 115 kV transmission line serving both urban and rural areas. The lines pass through forested areas, where tree damage often causes interruption and outages, as well as challenges in power quality. It is difficult for the utility to identify the cause of the interruption and takes a long time to recover the power system from interruption. The microgrid gives us a new way to address the problems." said Mr. Supachai Ek-un, Governor of Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA).
"With RSS 2016 PCL’s competent innovations, technology, and expertise in the electrical engineering industry, we are able to provide EPC construction services to manage for the Betong microgrid project. This initiative will bring secure, high quality power to the coverage area. In addition, this project also readies the electric power network to support distributed generators and future very small power producers (VSPPs)" said Mr. Pairoj Sirirat, CEO of RSS 2016 Public Company Limited.
Energy storage plays a critical role across the multiple pathways towards a carbon-neutral energy system. These projects demonstrate the ability for utilities to improve the flexibility and reliability of power grids while adding new renewable resources. Hitachi ABB Power Grids is proud to help our customers in Thailand and elsewhere enable digitalization of distributed energy resources and unlock new opportunities.
The project builds on Hitachi ABB Power Grids' global Grid Edge Solutions footprint of more than 600 MW of battery energy storage systems and the intelligent automation solutions supporting them worldwide. The company has more than 30 years of experience in delivering similar solutions to industrial and commercial sites, utilities for the efficient management of decentralized renewable production, and remote regions that invest in energy self-sufficiency.
Web sites:
https://www.pea.co.th/en
About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.
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