RATCH and SPI join forces on sharing SMR knowledge in Thailand Preparing for a secure and sustainable energy transition

Bangkok – RATCH Group Public Company Limited (RATCH) and Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited (SPI) co-hosted the seminar “Thailand’s SMR Energy Forum – A Global Dialogue on SMR Deployment”. The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Prasert Sinsukprasert, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, who presided over the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote address on “The Future of Energy Security.”

The forum featured several esteemed speakers and experts in nuclear and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, including Dr. Rungrueng Kitphati, Director-General of the Department of Science Service and Acting Secretary-General of the Office of Atoms for Peace; Ms. Charlotte Nichols, Member of the UK Parliament and Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy; Mr. Simon Stuttaford, Principal of Castletown Law, UK ; Mr. Toru Ito, General Manager, Project Management Department, Hitachi-GE Vernova Nuclear Energy Co. Ltd.; Mr. Chen Fangjun, General Representative for Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC); and Mr. Alexis Honner, Business Development Manager, Rolls-Royce SMR.

This seminar served as a vigorous platform for sharing knowledge and experience on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology as an emerging clean energy solution with the potential to support national energy security strategies and the energy transition towards Thailand’s net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2065. Key discussion topics included: SMR technology development and design, fuel and supply chain management, environmental and safety management, regulatory and governance frameworks, investment outlook, human resource development in SMR, public awareness and social acceptance.

Mr. Nitus Voraphonpiput, Chief Executive Officer of RATCH Group Public Company Limited, revealed that the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology is a promising opportunity to enhance the stability of the power grid, particularly in integrating more renewable energy and minimizing the risks of voltage drops or outages during peak demand. Globally, SMR development is becoming prevalent, and technology is progressing in advancement. Meanwhile, Thailand has already begun well-rounded preparations to explore its adoption as well as relevant studies. We believe this seminar will help build essential knowledge about SMR in Thailand and support the country’s transition toward energy security and sustainability in the future.

Mr. Vichai Kulsomphob, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Chairman of Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited (SPI), said that SMR technology may be a new topic in Thailand, but gaining global attention as a clean energy solution poised to replace fossil fuel-based power plants. Although Thailand remains in the planning and feasibility stage, the journey involves legal, regulatory, technology selection, site identification, and construction considerations. As a long-standing contributor to Thailand’s economic development, SPI believes that the future of energy must no longer rely solely on traditional sources, but must urgently pursue safe, efficient, and sustainable energy alternatives as the world shifts toward carbon neutrality and green energy. Today’s international dialogue marks a pivotal step toward future energy transformation in Thailand.

RATCH Group and SPI recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote and disseminate knowledge about Small Modular Reactors in Thailand. This collaboration supports the Thai government’s policy to increase electricity generation from clean fuels in responding to industry’s green energy demands, and explores SMR project development and relevance.