Megawatts, Community and Development in Thailand

By Robert van Waarden

Part 7 in a series

“It represents modernity. So, they want this in their community. Hey, we are modern, they say. This is latest technology, and we are independent from Burmese gas and from imported oil. Our energy is produced here with our own resources, our own wind. Zero emissions, and we are proud of it!” That’s what it sounds like when Nick Suppipat talks about the local communities he’s working with to generate renewable energy.

Nick and the company Wind Enterprise Holdings are on the verge of completing the largest wind farm ever in Thailand. The 207MW wind park is currently being built in the Nakhon Ratchasima district. It is a significant step for the fledging wind industry in Thailand and an example of how sustainable development can be a win-win.

Six years ago, oil prices were skyrocketing and Thailand was in the midst of a financial crisis. Nick, an investor since he was 17, was convinced that renewable energy would be the next big thing and figured that wind is going to take the biggest share of that. For him, the business case made sense and he jumped in.

“So I started looking for an appropriate site. At the time according to local research, we didn’t have wind resource. So I took a serious look into that research and found out that it is not reliable,” says Nick.

Nick hired an American company to develop a hi-resolution wind map and discovered that Thailand did have some wind resources, not as good as some European countries, but enough for modern wind turbines. Since then, the business has grown quickly and beyond his expectations. Six years ago he wouldn’t have dreamed of 500MW. Now they are months away from completing 207MW and have their sights set on over 1000MW and expansion internationally.

WIND ENERGY 
SERIES

Part 1:Roman Jurgi, 
in the Czech Republic.

Part 2:Piet Willem Chevalier in Mali.

Part 3: Amrit Singh Thapa
 in Kathmandu.

Part 4:The De Clerck family in the Netherlands. 

Part 5: Petr Pavek
in the Czech Republic. 

Part 6: Pat Blount
in Ireland.

Part 7: Nick Suppipat
in Thailand.

Based on the current tariff, Nick believes 2000 to 3000MW is feasible in Thailand for wind farm development. This will provide energy for many households, more than what could be powered with the same amount of energy in Europe or North America, because average energy consumption per household there is many times greater than in Thailand.

From their new office on the top floor of a Bangkok skyscraper, it may perhaps be easy to forget about the farming community directly affected by this development. But Nick and his team have made community development a key aspect of their business.

“We want to make a difference in the area. We don’t want to make money and then not care about people around. We want to ensure that their lives improved and the area becomes a model community,” says Nick

When asked if there has been any objection from the community. “None, zero,” says Nick, “That surprised me. I never heard anyone complain or think it is ugly or think that it is un-cool.” 

Wind Energy Holdings is giving back to the community in several ways. Beyond the regulated mandatory yearly payment to the community, they are providing a second voluntary yearly payment of 2- 3% of the revenue. Additionally, they are establishing a NGO for community development, the first project of which is improved irrigation.

All around the construction site are visible examples of how this wind farm is positively impacting the community. The temples are being fitted with new roofs or renovated entirely. The roads, which were once impassable in the rainy season, have been rebuilt, reducing transport costs, time and headaches for the farmers. Additionally, a policy to hire local people and contractors has ensured valuable employment for hundreds if not thousands of Thais. Nick estimates that over 15,000 people have or will directly benefit from this project.

By the end of 2015 Wind Energy Holdings expects to have over 500MW operating in Thailand. After that, they might aim at expanding internationally. If this same model of development continues, it will mean win-win for communities and for business.

This is part 7 of a series of wind energy stories from photographer Robert van Waarden. Next is  Aruna Awale, a woman leading the path towards wind energy at the Alternative Energy Promotion Center in Kathmandu.