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Thailand’s Journey Towards a Sustainable Future Through Renewable Energy
In recent years, Thailand has made notable progress in several initiatives at the adoption of renewable energy within domestic sector.
One of the main areas where Thailand has been working and investing resources is known as the renewable energy sector. Thailand has been actively promoting the development and utilization of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower, to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and address environmental concerns.
The Thai government has implemented various policies and incentives to encourage investment and growth in the renewable energy industry, including feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and the establishment of renewable energy targets. As a result, Thailand has seen a significant increase in the installed capacity of renewable energy in recent years, contributing to the country’s efforts to transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
According to data from Statista, the electricity generation in the renewable energy market is projected to amount to 28,140.00 million kWh in 2024. An annual growth rate of 2.04% is expected (CAGR 2024-2029).
The country has been moving forward with different measures to boost the adoption of renewable energy in the Thai domestic markets.
What are renewable energies?
Renewable energy sources are known as energy sources obtained from nature, which can be continuously self-regenerated.
Some of the most common types of renewable energy are solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal energy.
Solar Energy: Utilizes energy from the sun through photovoltaic panels or thermal systems, converting it into electricity or heat.
Wind Energy: Harnesses the power of wind through turbines to generate electricity.
Hydropower: Uses the flow of water in rivers or reservoirs to generate electricity through turbines.
Biomass: Converts organic materials into energy through processes like combustion or anaerobic digestion.
Geothermal Energy: Exploits the Earth’s internal heat through geothermal wells to generate electricity or heat.
What have been Thailand’s main renewable energy initiatives?
In recent years, Thailand has made notable progress in several initiatives at the adoption of renewable energy within domestic sector.
The country has set a goal to reach 51% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2037, a notable increase from the previously set target of 36%.
This push towards solar, wind, and biomass reflects the country’s commitment to carbon neutrality and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
To achieve this, energy storage will be key, as highlighted in the new 2024-2037 Electric Power Development Plan (PDP). Storage not only stabilizes the intermittency of solar and wind energy but also represents a pathway for new investments.
One of the most impactful measures is the introduction of *Direct PPAs* (Power Purchase Agreements), which allow private companies to purchase up to 2,000 MW of renewable energy directly from producers. This shift marks a significant advancement from the previous model, which centralized electricity purchases through state authorities. Moreover, it opens the door to increased foreign competition and diversifies options for high-energy-consuming businesses, such as data centers.
On the other hand, the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme remains in place but with significant expansion.
For 2022-2030, an additional 3.67 GW of capacity has been reserved, to be divided between solar, wind, biogas, and industrial waste. Although the tariffs remain unchanged, this capacity expansion opens opportunities for already evaluated projects and new developers.
In this context, the government has implemented a two-stage competitive process, prioritizing land-mounted wind and solar in the first stage and biogas, solar, and wind in the second. Projects must meet strict technical and financial requirements, demanding meticulous preparation from applicants.
However, not everything has been smooth. The second phase of the renewable energy scheme faces a significant hurdle: a legal dispute over the selection of plants in the first phase has delayed the progress of new projects.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) must wait for the judicial resolution before proceeding with new auctions, which has created uncertainty in the sector.
Despite these challenges, Thailand remains strategically positioned to lead the clean energy transition in Southeast Asia. With more flexible, investment-oriented policies, the country offers fertile ground for renewable energy growth. Developers who can adapt to these new conditions and demonstrate technical and financial strength will be well-positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the coming years.
In summary, Thailand’s energy reforms for 2024 are not only a response to the global need for cleaner energy but also a testament to its ambition to be a leader in the region’s energy transition.
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