Thailand’s WHAUP: $800 Million Pledged for Green Energy Growth
WHA Utilities and Power (WHAUP), a subsidiary of Thailand’s leading industrial estate developer WHA Corp, is significantly expanding its green energy initiatives. Between 2025 and 2029, the company will invest 29 billion baht (approximately US$800 million—based on the current exchange rate) to capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy, particularly from the digital technology sector.
This substantial investment reflects WHAUP’s commitment to Thailand’s green energy transition. Chief Executive Somkiat Masunthasuwun stated that approximately 75% of the funds will expand the company’s solar power portfolio, including both ground-mounted and rooftop solar installations. The remaining 25% will enhance water management services, ensuring reliable water supply and comprehensive wastewater treatment for factories within its industrial estates. This dual focus underscores WHAUP’s holistic sustainability approach.
WHAUP aims to increase its power generation capacity by 220 megawatts in 2025, reaching a total of 1,185 MW (compared to 965 MW in 2024). Currently, renewable sources account for 45% of its power supply; this investment will significantly increase that percentage. This expansion reflects WHAUP’s confidence in the growing renewable energy market.
This strategic shift is driven by increased corporate environmental awareness, pressure to reduce carbon emissions, and the demands of international companies, especially data centers, located within WHA’s industrial estates. Many of these facilities are expected to be operational by the end of 2024, aligning with WHAUP’s expansion plans. Mr. Masunthasuwun anticipates realizing the benefits of this investment in 2026 when supplying clean power to these new clients.
Further demonstrating its commitment to innovation, WHAUP will pilot a peer-to-peer power trading scheme in the second quarter of 2025. This 4 MW initiative, under the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) sandbox, will involve 49 companies and seven “prosumers” (entities producing and consuming electricity) within WHA industrial estates in Rayong and Chon Buri. The ERC sandbox, launched in 2019, aims to test microgrids and the prosumer model for a more decentralized and resilient energy system.
Beyond power generation, WHAUP expects to provide 173 million cubic meters of water and treated wastewater to clients in Thailand and Vietnam in 2025, a 4% increase year-on-year. This reflects its comprehensive approach to utility provision for its industrial estate tenants.
In conclusion, WHAUP’s substantial investment in renewable energy and water management demonstrates its commitment to sustainable business practices and positions the company for significant growth in a market increasingly demanding clean energy solutions. This forward-thinking strategy benefits both the company and its clients, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for Thailand and the region.
