“WHAUP” Races Forward with Solar Rooftop Investment Completing new 2.6-MW in Q3, with further 10-MW in pipeline

Monday 20 August 2018 12:08
WHA Utilities and Power PLC. (WHAUP) races forward with solar rooftop investment plan targeting to complete additional 2.6-MW installation in Q3/2018. Most recently, WHAUP was appointed by Electrolux to invest and operate a 0.50 MW solar rooftop system at one of its factories in Rayong, which is expected to reach completion in September. WHAUP is also eyeing to sign another 10 MW contract this year.

Mr. Wisate Chungwatana, Chief Executive Officer, WHA Utilities and Power PLC. (WHAUP), the leading provider of fully integrated utilities services for industries in Thailand, with services in providing raw water, processed water, clarified water, wastewater treatment, natural gas, and investing in power business both in Thailand and overseas, said, "WHAUP provides a fully integrated solar rooftop service to industrial customers, with 2.6 MW new projects scheduled to achieve commercial operation in Q3/2018. Recently, the company has signed an agreement with Electrolux Thailand Co., Ltd. to invest and operate 0.50 MW solar rooftop system at one of Electrolux factories in WHA Rayong Industrial Land, whereby Electrolux will enjoy savings on electricity cost over 20 years with no investment or operation cost".

Mr. Chris Dineen, Plant Manager, Electrolux (Thailand) Co., Ltd., remarks "At Electrolux, and in line with our "Purpose" mission statement, we continuously focus on energy efficiency and responsibility to the environment. We have already commissioned the first-phase solar rooftop installation of 0.1 MW, using our own funding, and was later pleased to find out about WHAUP's service scheme in which WHAUP will be responsible for the investment and operation of solar rooftop system, while selling the solar-generated electricity back to us at discounted price. This enables us to achieve an additional 0.5 MW solar system installation at our factory, fulfilling our target capacity of 0.6 MW, while bearing no additional cost or maintenance burden."

Mr. Chris Dineen also added that "Once this second phase solar rooftop installation is completed, the use of this carbon-free energy source will greatly help our sustainability and environmental goals by achieving additional CO2 generation avoidance of 400 tonnes per year."

Moreover, WHAUP is currently discussing with potential customers in WHA industrial estates and other industrial customers expecting to sign another 10 MW agreement this year. At present, WHAUP already has 9 solar rooftop power plants in operation with total capacity of 4.8 MW. Prospects for growth in solar rooftop are favorable as industrial customers are becoming more and more inclined towards the use of clean energy, while recognizing its economic benefits in saving electricity cost.

"WHAUP offers an all-inclusive solar rooftop service package, encompassing design, engineering, installation, permitting and licensing as well as operation and maintenance over entire contract life, while customer benefits from cheaper energy bills at no upfront or operation cost. Our team has expertise and long experience in power and utilities services for industrial users, making us well equipped to provide best energy saving solutions from solar rooftop services for our customers, Mr. Wisate Chungwatana said.