Gulf Energy Development, Thailand’s largest private power producer, is gearing up to participate in the second-phase auction of renewable energy development projects. The company aims to secure 20% of the total 3.6-gigawatt capacity that will be offered in the auction organized by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
Sarath Ratanavadi, the CEO of Gulf Energy Development, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to win a significant portion of the capacity in the upcoming auction. While he did not specify the types of renewable energy projects Gulf will target, the available capacity includes solar farms, wind farms, and biogas projects.
In the first phase of the auction, Gulf Energy Development emerged as a major player, securing the largest share of capacity with 28 projects totaling over 2GW. With this track record, the company is well-positioned to compete in the second phase of the auction.
It is worth noting that existing bidders who met the technical criteria in the previous round will have an advantage in the upcoming auction. This means that companies like Gulf, with experience in developing renewable energy projects, are likely to secure a significant portion of the power generation capacity.
In addition to its participation in the auction, Gulf Energy Development is also moving forward with plans to merge with InTouch Holdings, a major shareholder of Advanced Info Service Plc, Thailand’s largest mobile operator. The merger is expected to create a new entity with substantial capital spending earmarked for the development of the power business and acquisition of new assets.
One of the key projects planned by the new firm is the development of a data center with a power capacity exceeding 100MW. This data center will play a crucial role in supplying power to computer networks, highlighting Gulf Energy Development’s commitment to expanding its presence in the energy sector.
As Gulf Energy Development prepares to secure its share of the Gulf’s energy auction, investors and stakeholders are closely watching the company’s strategic moves in the renewable energy market. With a strong track record and ambitious plans for growth, Gulf is poised to make a significant impact on Thailand’s energy landscape in the years to come.
