Wind Energy Holding is emerging as a major wind-power generator, with four or five projects on the cards that will require a combined investment of tens of billions of baht.

"We have spent up to two years on feasibility studies. There's huge potential in terms of wind energy, but the government's 'adder' is the key incentive for this investment," said Watcharapong Khemkaew, project development manager of the Thai-owned company.

The adder tariff is a special purchasing rate that is higher than that for conventional fuels.

He said the company also hopes to expand into other renewable-energy areas, but in the initial stage will emphasise wind energy.

Details of the projects will be unveiled soon, he added.

Thanks to the government's policy to promote wind and other renewable energy, the company sees no problem in securing financial support for the projects. While the feasibility studies are supported by equity, the company is seeking support on a project-by-project basis.

One of the projects is conducted through its 60 per cent-owned subsidiary, Sustainable Energy Corp.

The subsidiary, which is owned 30 per cent by listed Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding, will invest in the Bt4-billion 60-megawatt wind-power project in Phetchabun. It is under negotiation for loans from Kasikornbank.

Yesterday, the company signed a contract to award the construction work of more projects to Demco.

The construction company earlier won a Bt1.3-billion contract for the plant in Phetchabun. Construction work on the plant will start late this year.

Pradej Kitti-itsaranon, managing director of Demco, expects the construction work under the new contract to start in mid-2010 and the value of the contract should exceed Bt10 billion. The contract covers projects to generate 600MW-700MW and will require an investment of between Bt40 billion and Bt50 billion, he said.

"Demco will be the co-developer and contractor of the projects, in charge of land clearing, wind-turbine installation, power-plant construction and the transmission grid. The value of the three-year contract is expected to exceed Bt10 billion," Pradej said.