Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul today opened the country's largest wind turbine in Hua Sai, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The 1.5-MW turbine can generate 1.8 million units of electricity, worth about Bt10 million per year. This will save energy imports by 0.155 kilo tonne equivalent (ktoe).

Wannarat said the project, also including a 250-kilowatt turbine nearby, will pave way for a commercial wind farm.

The 250-kw turbine can generate 0.3 milion units of electricty, worth Bt2 million a year. This will reduce energy import by 0.028 ktoe.

Krairit Nilkuha, director-general of the Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, said that surveys showed that the coastal area of the Gulf of Thailand, from Nakhon Ratchasima to Pattani, is supporting wind power generating. The department is conducting a feasibility study on the installation of wind turbines in the area, with plans to welcome private investment.