Overview
The Chulabhorn Dam is an operational hydroelectric powerplant located in Tambon Thung Lui Lai, Khon San District, Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand. It serves as a critical piece of energy infrastructure in the region, impounding the Phrom River, which is a tributary of the Mekong River. The facility has also diverted the Nam Phrong River to augment its water supply. After passing through the turbines, the water empties into the Choen River. The dam is named in honor of Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand.
The plant is operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. It was commissioned in 1972. The facility has an installed capacity of 40 MW. It functions as an earth core rockfill dam. Its primary roles include electricity generation and irrigation for the surrounding agricultural areas in Chaiyaphum Province.
Hydrological Setting and Infrastructure
The structure serves as a critical node in the regional hydrological network, primarily impounding the Phrom River, which functions as a significant tributary of the Mekong River system. The dam’s hydrological operation involves the diversion of the Nam Phrong River, integrating its flow into the primary reservoir to optimize water volume for power generation. Following passage through the turbine systems, the discharged water empties into the Choen River, completing the immediate hydroelectric cycle for this specific infrastructure asset.
Physical Dimensions and Reservoir Characteristics
The physical structure of the Chulabhorn Dam is designed to manage the flow of the Phrom River and the diverted waters of the Nam Phrong River. While the specific numerical dimensions such as exact height, length, and reservoir surface area are not explicitly detailed in the provided grounding snippets, the dam creates a substantial reservoir that feeds the power house. The infrastructure is operational and has been in service since its commissioning in 1972, as noted in the entity data. The dam is named in honor of Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand, reflecting its cultural and national significance alongside its engineering function.
| Parameter | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Dam Type | Hydroelectric Dam |
| Location | Tambon Thung Lui Lai, Khon San District, Chaiyaphum Province |
| River Impounded | Phrom River (Tributary of the Mekong) |
| Diverted River | Nam Phrong River |
| Discharge River | Choen River |
| Height | [?] |
| Length | [?] |
| Reservoir Area | [?] |
Power House Specifications
The power generation facility at Chulabhorn Dam is operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The plant has an installed capacity of 40 MW, utilizing water from the Phrom and Nam Phrong rivers to drive turbines. The operational status is currently active, having been commissioned in 1972. The specific technical details regarding the number of turbine units, their individual capacities, or the annual energy production in GWh are not provided in the current grounding snippets. The system discharges water into the Choen River after energy extraction, indicating a run-of-river or reservoir-based flow-through design typical of Thai hydroelectric infrastructure from that era.
| Parameter | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Operator | Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) |
| Installed Capacity | 40 MW |
| Commissioning Year | 1972 |
| Operational Status | Operational |
| Number of Turbines | [?] |
| Turbine Type | [?] |
| Annual Production | [?] |
History of Construction and Operation
The Chulabhorn Dam, located in Tambon Thung Lui Lai within the Khon San District of Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand, represents a significant hydroelectric infrastructure project in the region. The facility was commissioned in 1972, marking the beginning of its operational life as a key component of the local energy grid. This inception date establishes the dam as a mid-20th-century engineering achievement, designed to harness the water resources of the Phrom River, which serves as a tributary of the Mekong. The construction and subsequent commissioning of the dam were integral to the broader energy development strategies of the time, aiming to provide reliable power generation through the impoundment of the Phrom River and the diversion of the Nam Phrong River.
Operational Role of EGAT
Since its commissioning in 1972, the Chulabhorn Dam has been operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). As the primary operator, EGAT is responsible for the management, maintenance, and power generation activities at the facility. The dam's operational status remains active, continuing to contribute to the energy mix of Chaiyaphum Province and the surrounding areas. The role of EGAT extends to overseeing the hydraulic systems that divert the Nam Phrong River and manage the outflow into the Choen River after the water passes through the turbines. This continuous operation highlights the durability and effectiveness of the dam's design, which has sustained functionality for several decades since its initial entry into service.
The naming of the dam honors Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand, reflecting the cultural and royal significance often associated with major infrastructure projects in the country. The facility's location in Khon San District places it within a strategic geographical context, leveraging the natural topography of the Phrom River basin. The operational history of the Chulabhorn Dam is characterized by its steady contribution to the regional power supply, managed consistently by EGAT since 1972. The dam's ability to impound the Phrom River and utilize the diverted waters of the Nam Phrong River demonstrates the engineering considerations that prioritized efficient water usage and power generation. As an operational hydroelectric power plant, the Chulabhorn Dam continues to serve as a vital energy asset, with EGAT ensuring its ongoing performance and integration into the national grid.
Why it matters
The Chulabhorn Dam serves as a critical node in the hydroelectric infrastructure of Northeast Thailand, specifically within Chaiyaphum Province. Commissioned in 1972 and operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the facility provides a 40 MW capacity that contributes to the regional power grid (per grounding data). Its strategic location on the Phrom River, a tributary of the Mekong, allows it to harness water resources in a region where hydroelectricity plays a significant role in energy diversification. The dam’s operation involves diverting the Nam Phrong River, with water emptying into the Choen River after passing through its turbines, illustrating the complex water management required in the area.
Regional Energy and Agricultural Impact
In the context of Northeast Thailand, the Chulabhorn Dam supports both energy supply and agricultural needs. The region relies on hydroelectric plants to supplement power generation, particularly during the wet season. The dam’s 40 MW output, while modest compared to larger national projects, provides a steady baseload for local communities and industries. Additionally, the impoundment of the Phrom River helps regulate water flow, benefiting downstream agriculture by ensuring consistent water availability for irrigation. This dual role in energy and water management is typical of Thai dams, which are often designed to maximize regional economic benefits.
Comparison with Other Thai Dams
When compared to other significant Thai dams, such as the Pak Mun Dam, the Chulabhorn Dam highlights the diversity of hydroelectric projects in the country. The Pak Mun Dam, located on the Mekong River, is larger in scale and has faced various environmental and social impacts, including changes in fish migration patterns and local livelihoods. In contrast, the Chulabhorn Dam, with its 40 MW capacity, represents a smaller-scale project that focuses on local water diversion and power generation. Both dams underscore the importance of balancing energy production with environmental and social considerations in Thailand’s hydroelectric development. The Chulabhorn Dam’s naming after Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand also reflects the cultural significance often attached to such infrastructure projects.
See also
- Gussing Renewable Energy: Company profile and technology
- Biomass power plants and health problems among nearby residents: a case study in Thailand
- Feed-in tariffs for solar energy in Thailand
- Siuri Khola Hydropower Station
- Kelly Ridge Powerplant: Engineering and Operations