Thailand is facing a critical juncture in its energy strategy as calls for an ambitious expansion of renewable power generation reverberate beyond the government corridors. With the impending finalization of the Power Development Plan (PDP) in the second quarter of this year, pressure mounts to surpass the current target of 50% renewable energy outlined in the plan.
The urgency stems from Thailand’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, a pledge reiterated by Tanachai Bunditvorapoom, the CEO of SET-listed Absolute Clean Energy. Bunditvorapoom emphasized that while strides have been made to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the power sector, broader efforts across other sectors remain opaque, necessitating a heightened renewable energy target in the PDP.
At the 26th UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in 2021, Thailand unveiled its determination to combat climate change by aiming for carbon neutrality and setting a net-zero target by 2065. In response, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) initiated a renewable power generation scheme, commencing with the development of projects with a capacity of 5.2 gigawatts in its first phase. The ERC plans to auction additional projects with a capacity of 3.6 GW in the second phase, yet concerns loom over whether these efforts will suffice to meet the ambitious targets set forth in 2021.
While nuclear power presents itself as a clean energy alternative with zero emissions, its development in Thailand faces hurdles due to uneven support and anticipated opposition from local communities and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, biomass-fired power plants emerge as a viable option for providing stable electricity, particularly in contrast to the intermittency associated with solar and wind energy. However, their capacity to fully supplant fossil fuel-generated electricity remains limited, according to Bunditvorapoom.
Sarat Prakobchart, Deputy Director-General of the Energy Policy and Planning Office, underscores the deliberations surrounding the prospect of surpassing the 50% renewable energy target. Prakobchart cautions against overlooking the potential cost implications, highlighting concerns over escalating electricity bills and potential impacts on Thailand’s competitiveness.
The Power Development Plan (PDP), slated for implementation from 2024 to 2037, forms a pivotal component of the National Energy Plan (NEP), delineating the country’s energy management strategy. Comprising various facets including alternative energy development, energy efficiency, oil, and gas plans, the NEP underscores Thailand’s multifaceted approach to energy sustainability.
Meanwhile, the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand is spearheading renewable energy initiatives, exemplified by the rollout of floating solar farms across the nation. With plans for 15 floating solar farms boasting a combined capacity of 2,750 megawatts, the inauguration of the first farm at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani in 2021 marks a tangible step towards bolstering Thailand’s renewable energy portfolio.
