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Published on September 4, 2007

IRPC yesterday vowed to proceed with its planned coal-fired power plants despite the protests of more than 10,000 villagers in Rayong.

IRPC chief executive officer Piti Yimprasert said in a telephone interview that the investment would be cancelled only if the plan did not win an environment impact assessment (EIA) from the National Environment Board.

"This protest could have a hidden agenda. IRPC is not the only company that bought bidding documents for investment in coal-fired power plants, so why are other buyers not facing protests," Piti said.

"If this is the real voice of the people in Rayong, we will stop it. But how would we know if this is really what they think?"

About 5,000 protesters gathered in front of IRPC's facility yesterday morning to voice their opposition to the plants. The number escalated to more than 10,000 later.

The protesters were from villages in Muang district. The protest was led by Piya Pitutecha, governor of the Rayong Provincial Administrative Organisation.

Protester Sutthi Atchasai said the power plants would be built "dangerously close" to surrounding communities.

"People in Rayong already suffer from enough pollution. If these power plants are allowed to be built, we won't be able to stand it because it would encourage other companies to come and build plants here too, just like what happened to Map Ta Phut," Sutthi said.

It was reported that company oil trucks had blocked the entry to the facility, which was guarded by a number of police officers. The protesters were told to stay in the provided area and participants including members of the press were required to show their ID cards.

IRPC is among a number of companies which have bought more than 60 bidding envelopes from the Energy Ministry for the generating of 3,200 megawatts under the independent power producer programme. The results of the bidding will be known in December.

The power generators are opting to use a variety of fuels including coal and natural gas. Coal has been considered the fuel that emits the highest pollution level.

Piti said that IRPC was - like most of the bidders for coal-fired power plants - waiting for EIA approval from the National Environment Board.

"We will proceed with the bidding. In terms of business, we have a high chance to win as we have the location and the pier. But if we fail to win the EIA, the project will be cancelled," he said.

He explained that the company opted to fire the power plant with coal because it is the cheapest fuel.

Chalida     Ekvitthayavechnukul

 The Nation