Published on 13/05/2015
Ayutthaya waste-to-energy plant approved
Scrap collectors work at the giant garbage pile in Ban Pom sub-district of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, Ayutthaya. The cabinet has approved a new waste-to-energy project to dispose of waste there
The cabinet Wednesday approved a prototype waste-to-energy plant for an Ayutthaya waste-management system that is being called a model for facilities nationwide. The 380-million-baht incinerator is part of a 372-rai project in Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district. Deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the plant in Maha Phram sub-district will be completed in January and a second, 635-million-bant, 3.8-megawatt power plant finished in March 2017. Together with a 369-million-baht landfill already built there, Ayutthaya's garbage-management system "will be considered a model of comprehensive and efficient waste management and similar waste-to-energy facilities can follow nationwide," Maj Gen Sansern said.
The Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has designated areas for waste-to-energy projects in 24 provinces: Ayutthaya, Buri Ram, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Loei, Lop Buri, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phatthalung, Phitsanulok, Phuket, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Songkhla, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Yala. Two waste-to-energy plants are operating in Phuket and Songkhla. Three more are under construction in Bangkok, Khon Kaen and Phatthalung. Construction contracts were signed for developments in Ayutthaya , Phitsanulok and Rayong and another project is being studied for Lamphun. The government intends to push for at least 15 waste-to-energy plants this year, Maj Gen Sansern said.