04 RENEWABLE ENERGY
Energy transition needs a push Thomas Hundt
In Thailand larger renewable energy projects are currently making slow progress. Nonetheless many smaller grid-connected projects and numerous solar power systems for captive consumption are currently implemented. Thailand’s Power Development Plan (PDP) aims for a considerable expansion of renewable energy by more than 17 gigawatts from 2021 to 2037. Accordingly, the propor tion of renewable energy in the total generation capacity would increase from 10 per cent to 34 per cent. However, the plan can be adjusted if necessary. The most important energy source for electricity producers is currently gas with a share of more than 50 per cent, followed by coal and hydropower.
Grid-connected capacities of renewable energies in Thailand (megawatts)
20181
20212 20373
Total
8,449
9,094
26,491
Biomass
3,373
3,511
5,790
Solar
2,962
2,985
14,864
Wind
1,103
1,507
2,989
Biogas
505
563
1,565
Municipal solid waste (MSW)
318
339
975
Small hydro4
188 190 308
End of 2018; March, 2021; Aim according to the PDP; 4 With capacity of less than 12 megawatts. Sources: Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand; Metropolitan Electricity Authority; Provincial Electricity Authority; Energy Regulatory Commission; Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency; Department of Energy Business. 1
2
UPDATE 4/2021
3
Observers have suggestions and comments. Investing in energy efficiency would often make more sense than expanding capacities. Thailand also has already high power reserves. In 2020 an installed capacity of 50 gigawatts met a peak load of only around 30 gigawatts. Energy demand has been growing as well more slowly than expected. Electricity consumption has even decreased since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to achieve the planed energy transition and to balance the fluctuating electricity from the solar and wind power plants, old power plants have to be replaced by more efficient and flexible ones. Experts believe that the terms and conditions for investments in grid connected renewable energy systems should also be improved. The Depar tment of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency and the Energy Policy and Planning Office, Ministr y of Energy are responsible for the energy policy, while the independent Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) oversees and regulates the sector. Thus, ERC sets the electricity prices and supervises the implementation of projects.
