The world power crisis 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 scale back dependency on imported fuels.
Thailand’s reconsideration of its renewable power technique came after a surge in natural gas prices final year caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, based on Wattanapong Kurovat, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office. This problem was compounded by a decline in home manufacturing, Bangkok Post reported.
In an interview in Bangkok, Wattanapong explained that when Thai authorities requested extra vitality from renewable vegetation final 12 months, they discovered that the available capability was already at its limit. Unlike some countries branching into coal mines or gas fields in response to soaring world gas costs, Thailand recognises the potential in solar panels and wind generators for fostering power independence.
The Thai government’s power safety push final month led to the announcement of a power buy plan covering roughly 5 gigawatts of renewables, the largest feed-in tariff programme so far. This funding is expected to primarily double wind and photo voltaic capability by 2030. Furthermore, authorities are planning an extra round for 3.67 gigawatts later this 12 months, Wattanapong revealed.
This policy shift reverses Thailand’s earlier preference for natural gasoline as a transition fuel earlier than adopting cleaner sources, as renewable tasks in some emerging nations face challenges like grid restraints, forms, and funding deficits.
Thailand’s heavy reliance on liquefied pure gas (LNG) imports for power era has pushed up prices considerably, saddling the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) with roughly 150 billion baht in expenses to curb utility bill hikes prior to now year.
Rising energy costs have also become a significant concern within the marketing campaign for the May 14 General Election, with several events suggesting measures to reduce energy payments. Consequently, Because asserts, the development of domestic renewable energy sources has turn into more pressing.
The government’s upcoming energy improvement plan, scheduled for proposal to a new Cabinet later this year, will characteristic extra bold renewable vitality targets, based on Wattanapong. These changes goal to help Thailand reach its local weather aims of reducing emissions by 30-40% by 2030, with a aim of reaching net zero by 2065. The revised plan will see renewables constituting over 50% of the power era combine by 2037, a significant increase from the present 20%.
The urgency of this situation is underscored by dwindling home fuel manufacturing. Underground at Erawan, Thailand’s largest natural gas field located in the Gulf of Thailand, fell by 64% final yr after US-based Chevron Corp transferred control of the positioning to the state-owned PTT Exploration & Production Plc. Although the federal government aims to extend domestic output through 2024, it additionally intends to scale back dependence on natural gasoline as it continues to deplete. Wattanapong said…