The plans include creating a learning centre and eco-tourism attraction, while also expanding clean energy production.
The plan was presented at a meeting at Provincial Hall this week that was chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.
The meeting was attended by Rawai Mayor Thames Kraitat, the Phuket Provincial Land Office and related agencies, while EGAT was represented by Deputy Director of Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy, Tidech Iamsai.
“EGAT has managed the Phromthep site since 1983 as Thailand’s first demonstration station for wind and solar energy,” Mr Tidech explained to The Phuket News.
“The station has hosted multiple prototype wind turbine installations over the decades, including the country’s first successful grid operation in 1990 and the nation’s largest turbine at the time, a 150 kW NORDTANK installed in 1996,” he added.
The latest proposal outlines plans to install new, larger-capacity wind turbines, study environmental and economic impacts, and use the site as a base for training EGAT staff in large-scale renewable projects.
At the same time, EGAT aims to enhance the area as a tourist-friendly landmark, with facilities for education, sightseeing, and leisure activities, Mr Tidech said.
The project aims to expand renewable energy generation in Phuket while upgrading the Phromthep site into a landmark for education and tourism, Mr Tidech continued.
“The plan includes the installation of two modern wind turbines with a capacity of at least 1 MW each, alongside facilities to welcome students, tourists and the local community,” he said.
However, Rawai Mayor Mr Thames explained to The Phuket News that the project must take into account the public’s right to use government land and any changes to land conditions will be carefully reviewed.
Rawai Municipality is expected to play a key role in overseeing the site to ensure long-term public benefit, he said.
The project is expected to add a new dimension to Phuket tourism, combining renewable energy, eco-tourism, and community engagement. “It will be a place for students and the public to learn, and a destination for tourists,” Mr Thames said.
Mr Thames noted that the key challenge is securing approval for land use, as the site is classified as NorSorLor (public land under government authority). “If the request is approved, EGAT is ready to pay for the whole project,” he said.
Yet, at this stage, no budget or land area figures have been confirmed, with the project still in the drafting and review phase, Mr Thames noted.
EGAT is preparing a formal proposal, which will include an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a cost-benefit study before submission to the Phuket Governor and Rawai Municipality., he concluded.