The state utility had proposed to purchase 920 megawatts of electricity from the Nam Theun 2 project as part of 3,000 MW that Thailand pledged to purchase from Laos.

However, Nam Theun 2 Power Co (NTPC), the project developer, had missed the deadline to reaffirm its ability to supply power under the original agreed terms, Egat governor Sithiporn Rattanopas said yesterday.

The developers have been unable to find a new partner to replace Electricite{AAC} de France International (EDFI), the French utility’s global arm, which held a 35% stake in the venture. EDFI in August said it was pulling out of the project as part of a strategic refocusing of its business.

There were reports last week that EDF was reconsidering its decision but nothing has been confirmed.

Egat, the sole buyer of electricity from Nam Theun 2, has expressed concern about possible power supply interruptions in 2009 or 2010 if Nam Theun 2 is not in a position to supply electricity to Thailand.
Construction of the Nam Theun 2 project will take about six years to complete.

Mr Sithiporn also criticised EDFI for not making any direct or official contacts with Egat about its intentions.

“The French power utility has never contacted us even though we are the only buyer of electricity from Nam Theun 2, but it announced its actions through the media,” said Mr Sithiporn.

EDFI announced its withdrawal from the venture a day before Egat was due to sign a 25-year power purchase deal in Vientiane, the Laotian capital, with NTPC.