Thailand commissions nuclear power plant study

Today Online 6 Nov 08;

BANGKOK — Thailand’s state electricity firm said yesterday it had signed a contract with a company to conduct a feasibility study for what would be the nation’s first nuclear power plant.

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, or Egat, signed a US$4.97-million($7.35-million) contract with United States engineering firm Burns and Roe Asia for a 20-month study and will decide whether to press ahead with nuclear power in late 2010.

“The feasibility study will cover nuclear power plant safety, radioactive waste, location, environmental impact, personnel planning and development, as well as suitability for nuclear technology,” the statement said.

Egat said it was searching for alternatives to fossil fuels.

Currently, Thailand relies on natural gas for about two thirds of its electricity production. The rest comes mainly from coal and hydropower.

Thai government officials had previously said they could begin construction on a nuclear plant as early as 2014. AFP