Sustainability Projects
Water and Wastewater Management 2024
Water Resource Conservation Project of Khanom Power Plant (KEGCO)
As the electricity generation industry uses high volumes of water in production process, EGCO Group recognizes the importance of using water resources efficiently and maximizing usage to their potentials.
Since 2021, Khanom Power Plant (KEGCO) has been running a water conservation project aimed at reusing wastewater from both the plant’s operations and residential areas for irrigation. In 2024, 9,225 cubic meters of wastewater from the power plant and 1,742 cubic meters from the residential areas were recycled for reuse. The wastewater recycling process includes the following key steps:
- Collecting treated wastewater and aerating it using a man-made waterfall.
- Allowing the water to flow through aquatic plants.
- Using the water to irrigate plants along the hillside and surrounding green areas of the power plant.
- Installing meters to measure water usage and ensure accurate data collection.
This project highlights the value of water conservation and has significantly reduced the reliance on municipal water.
Benefits of the Project
- Conserving water resources by reusing wastewater from power plant's operations and residential areas for irrigation.
- Maintaining green spaces without paying for municipal water.
Implementation Approach
- Reusing wastewater by treating and improving quality to make it suitable for irrigation.
Improving Wastewater Quality for Power Plant Use
EGCO Group has developed a comprehensive water management plan, which not only focuses on reducing raw water usage, water reuse, and recycling, but also includes strategies for improving water quality.
In 2024, Khanom Power Plant (KEGCO) implemented measures to improve the quality of water from various wastewater sources using the following methods:
- Wastewater from residential buildings: Enhanced water quality using anaerobic filter tanks.
- Wastewater from office buildings: Improved water quality using a coagulation-flocculation wastewater treatment system.
- Wastewater from deionized water production units and wastewater from boiler: Enhanced water quality using neutralizing ponds.
- Wastewater from cleaning equipment: Improved water quality using oil-water separator ponds.
The treated wastewater is then reused for various purposes.
Benefits of the Project
- Reducing the volume of wastewater discharged into public areas.
- Reducing expenditure on municipal water used in power plant operations.
Implementation Approach
- Implementing appropriate water treatment processes to enhance the quality of various types of wastewater.
Training on Enhancing Water Efficiency in Production Process
Khanom Power Plant (KEGCO) conducted the "Operation and Plant Controls for Combined Cycle Power Plant" training course for its operations and maintenance staff on May 8-9, 2024. The training included experts from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) as speakers.
The training aimed to provide participants with an opportunity to review, expand their knowledge, and develop essential skills related to machinery and equipment that are critical in electricity generation. The course covered areas such as generator and electrical equipment operation, Balance of Plant operation, and effective water management, including water production and wastewater treatment.
The water management training focused on five key topics:
- Circulating Water System
- Feed water & Supply
- Service water treatment and Demineralization systems
- Membrane technology for filtration
- Dewatering & Waste system
This training raised awareness among participants about the importance of maintaining efficient water production and wastewater treatment systems. This helps reduce the use of raw water resources and increases the amount of water recycled back into the production process. The goal is to ensure that Khanom Power Plant uses water resources efficiently and sustainably in the power generation process.
Benefits of the Project
- Enhancing employee’s knowledge and skills in water resource management, including efficient water usage and wastewater control.
- Increasing efficiency of production process through systematic water resource management, leading to reduce production costs and sustainable operations.
Implementation Approach
- Conducting knowledge training led by subject matter experts to enhance water usage efficiency and develop a comprehensive water management system within the power plant's production process.
