The global power disaster has prompted Thailand to speed up its transition to renewable power after years of hesitation, joining other nations in adopting wind and solar energy to reduce dependency on imported fuels.
Thailand’s reconsideration of its renewable energy technique came after a surge in pure gasoline prices final yr caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in accordance with Wattanapong Kurovat, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office. This concern was compounded by a decline in domestic manufacturing, Bangkok Post reported.
In an interview in Bangkok, Wattanapong explained that when Thai authorities requested extra energy from renewable vegetation final yr, they found that the out there capability was already at its restrict. Unlike some nations branching into coal mines or fuel fields in response to hovering international gas prices, Thailand recognises the potential in solar panels and wind turbines for fostering vitality independence.
The Thai government’s energy security push final month led to the announcement of an influence buy plan covering roughly 5 gigawatts of renewables, the largest feed-in tariff programme thus far. This funding is expected to essentially double wind and photo voltaic capability by 2030. Furthermore, authorities are planning a further spherical for 3.sixty seven gigawatts later this 12 months, Wattanapong revealed.
This policy shift reverses Thailand’s previous preference for natural fuel as a transition gas before adopting cleaner sources, as renewable initiatives in some emerging international locations face challenges like grid restraints, forms, and funding deficits.
Thailand’s heavy reliance on liquefied pure gasoline (LNG) imports for power generation has pushed up costs considerably, saddling the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) with approximately a hundred and fifty billion baht in bills to curb utility bill hikes in the past yr.
Rising energy costs have also turn out to be a significant concern in the marketing campaign for the May 14 General Election, with several events suggesting measures to scale back power bills. Consequently, Wattanapong asserts, the event of home renewable power sources has turn into extra urgent.
The government’s upcoming energy development plan, scheduled for proposal to a new Cabinet later this 12 months, will feature extra bold renewable vitality targets, in accordance with Wattanapong. These changes purpose to help Thailand reach its local weather goals of lowering emissions by 30-40% by 2030, with a aim of reaching internet zero by 2065. The revised plan will see renewables constituting over 50% of the ability technology mix by 2037, a significant increase from the current 20%.
The urgency of this example is underscored by dwindling home fuel production. Output at Erawan, Thailand’s largest pure gas area located in the Gulf of Thailand, fell by 64% last year after US-based Chevron Corp transferred management of the positioning to the state-owned PTT Exploration & Production Plc. Although Confidential aims to increase domestic output by way of 2024, it also intends to reduce back dependence on natural gasoline as it continues to deplete. Wattanapong said…