Demonstration Operation of Optimized Performance Enabling Network for Volt/Var(Q) (OPENVQ) of Power Transmission Network Commences in Thailand
－200 tons of CO₂ Emissions Reduction confirmed－

Electricity demand in Thailand is growing as its economy develops, and the country is now faced with a challenge to reduce the loss of power in the transmission network (hereinafter called “ transmission loss”). In addition, with the amount of fossil fuels, such as natural gas, also rising because electricity is generated mainly by thermal power plants in Thailand, the country needs to introduce renewable energy to realize the energy mix that could mitigate environmental impacts.

Under these circumstances, the purchase of electricity from neighboring countries and construction of new power generation facilities, such as hydroelectric power plants and/or photovoltaics (PV), are being considered as alternatives in northeastern Thailand. In the current grid operation, there is a challenge of supplying electricity stably while reducing transmission loss because no technology for voltage optimization has been installed in the current transmission network with various power sources connected.

Against this background, NEDO and MoEN agreed to implement a demonstration project^*1 for the purpose of low carbonization and enhancements in power system operation, and signed a Letter of Intent for cooperation in December 2020. In parallel, Hitachi, contractor of the demonstration project and Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), a state enterprise operating power generation and transmission in Thailand, concluded a Project Agreement (PA).

Based on the PA, Hitachi and EGAT installed optimized performance enabling network for volt/var(Q) (OPENVQ)^*2, an online-based optimal voltage/ reactive power control system, in the power transmission system owned by EGAT in northeastern Thailand and started the demonstration project to achieve reduction of CO₂ emissions^*3 by curbing transmission loss through more advanced and more efficient operation of the electric power system.

Hitachi completed the installation of the OPENVQ in November 2022 and started to manually control the voltage, in collaboration with the EGAT operator, based on the control command of the OPENVQ in January 2023 as Phase 1.

This time, as Phase 2, we commenced demonstration operation of the OPENVQ system linked to SCADA^*4 used in the regional control center operated by EGAT, as from February 21^st. OPENVQ enables automatic control of the EGAT's power grid via SCADA without EGAT’s manual operation.

After analyzing the monitoring data using the methodology approved by the joint committee of the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)^*5, we confirmed that CO₂ emissions had been reduced by approximately 200 tons until March 10^th. Furthermore, we prepared Project Design Document (PDD)^*6 based on JCM’s procedures and received TPE (third party entity)validation^*7 on March 15^th.

Future plans include registration of the project with the joint committee of JCM, and issuance of CO₂ credits through TPE verification based on the results to be monitored until December 2023.

On April 26th, an opening ceremony was held at the head office of EGAT in Nonthaburi attended by all the parties concerned from both countries to celebrate the start of the demonstration operations. During the ceremony, the representatives made speeches, and Hitachi and EGAT introduced the outline of the demonstration project and the introduction effect.

This news release was corrected on August 7^th, 2023. Please see below for the details.
Correction Notice

・NEDO

Smart Community and Energy System Department, NEDO
Contact Persons: Tatebe, Ooe, Katsuo Tel:＋81-44-520-5274

・Hitachi Ltd.

Control System Platform Division, Energy Solution Division, Power System Engineering Department,
Contact person：Tada,Tanso
Inquiry about Control Systems