Bangkok:

Thailand today inked a deal with a Japanese company to begin studying the possible development of the kingdom’s first wind power project, the state energy firm said.

Energy giant PTT signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thai power firms Electricity Generating Co (EGCO) and Wind Energy Generating Co (WEGCO) and Japanese firm Eurus Energy Japan Corporation to conduct the 18-month study.

“If possible, the project will help promote efficient utilisation of clean and environmentally friendly resources as well as reduce the amount of imported fuel,” PTT said. The study, which will cost $50 million, will look into developing a wind farm along Thailand’s southern coast.