But the government requires the new electricity output to serve rising demand, he said. The company is waiting for the ministry to agree to negotiations. "If the government agrees with our investment, the company is ready to move forward," said Mr Nitikorn. The construction will take 42 months and operation may start by the end of 2019 or early 2020 as all involved parties source funds and contractors. The company itself is ready to move forward. We are only waiting for the government's decision, said Mr Nitikorn. "We aim to be a pilot coal-fired power plant that can generate electricity without causing problems for the local community and environment, he added.