Ratch eyes fourth wind farm
Ratchaburi Electicity Generating Holding Plc, Thailand’s largest private power producer, is preparing to build its fourth wind farm in Australia after veceiving a development licence earlier this month.
RATCH-Australia Corporation Ltd (RAC) will be the developer of the 165-megawatt Collector Wind Farm project, with construction to being in 2014 and the farm slated to become operational in 2016.
Australia is a significant income source for Ratch and potential investment base for future renewable projects, said chief executive Pongdith Potchana.
“Most geographic areas of Australia are suitable for developing wind and solar farms, which the Australian government promotes and supports.
Three new wind farms with a total of 500 MW are part of over 10 projects Ratch has embedded in RAc’s business plan. These three are undergoing feasibility studies and development.
Located in New south Wales, the A$380 million (11.4 billlion baht) Collector Wind Farm will be funded by RAC’s capital and loans from financial institutions. The project is seeking a contractor.
Ratch owns 80% of RAC’s shares, as RAC operates six power plants with a combined capacity of over 600MW,comprising three gas-fired power plants and three wind frams.
RAC s also redeveloping the decommissioned Collinsville coal-fired power plant to become an energy park consisting of a solar thermal project and a gas-fired power station.
Shares of RATHCH closed unchanged yesterday on the SET at 48.75 baht in trade worth 20.74 million baht.