1 Government agencies are set to approve a 1,400-megawatt gas-fired power plant project in Surat Thani this year, replacing two highly contentious coal-fired power plant projects in the southern region. The 34-billion-baht facility, to be built in Phunphin district, is expected to receive the green light in the fourth quarter by the Energy Ministry, the National Energy Policy Council and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Its development will be carried out by state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), following its months-long feasibility study of the project. Egat governor Boonyanit Wongrukmit said the project will replace controversial coal-fired power plant projects in Krabi and Songkhla's Thepha district, which are expected to be shelved.