Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has ordered the suspension of the Rama 9 Data Center project, delaying the approval of the permit for this significant development. The BMA has assured the public that there has been no negative impact on electricity usage so far and is set to work with the Ministry of Energy to review laws addressing potential loopholes.
According to Thai News Agency, Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt, alongside representatives from the Department of Energy Business, Ministry of Energy, and other related agencies, convened a press conference to discuss the contentious central data center project. Mr. Chatchart announced the suspension of construction and the revocation of the permit for the Rama 9 data center, citing the need to reassess legal frameworks with the Ministry of Energy.
The BMA emphasized adherence to legal standards, acknowledging that current laws might not cover all aspects comprehensively. The operation of the Data Center has not yet adversely affected the public's electricity supply. Concerns about the electrical system revealed that emergency power generation tests, conducted at night, might have caused noise, though daytime tests showed no disturbances.
Public complaints about gasoline odors are under investigation to determine their source. The Ministry of Energy is expected to set standards to alleviate public concerns, akin to regulations for large-capacity gas stations in communities. Additionally, the Ministry of Energy is urged to re-evaluate fuel pricing regulations.
The construction of data centers, functioning as warehouses, necessitates an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), potentially involving community participation. Recognizing legal loopholes and regulation gaps, the BMA views these challenges as opportunities to adapt to a changing world positively.
For future large-scale projects, the BMA plans to postpone permit processes to ensure comprehensive evaluations, focusing on safety standards and electrical system interconnection. The BMA will work closely with the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) to monitor water usage at data centers, safeguarding the public water supply.
Ms. Thitiphas Chotdechachainant, Secretary to the Minister of Energy, clarified the permit application process for installing emergency power backup fuel tanks. The Ministry of Energy, under the Minister's directive, has temporarily halted permit considerations pending the establishment of guidelines for water and electricity usage and environmental impacts.
Regarding reports of a data center in Ramkhamhaeng 28 storing up to 400,000 liters of oil, the Department of Energy Business and BMA have yet to authorize such operations. A review of permits indicated unauthorized oil storage, prompting officials to investigate and enforce compliance with government regulations.
Mr. Supicheth Thavornthaweewong, Deputy Governor of the MWA, noted that major data centers in Bangkok currently consume 7,000-8,000 cubic meters of water monthly, significantly less than large hospitals and shopping malls. He confirmed no adverse impact on water supply services, with future plans to screen data centers to prevent negative effects on public water usage.