In order to increase renewable energy, Thailand has several plans and roadmaps in place, which includes “gas plan, oil plan, the Energy Efficiency Plan (EEP), the Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP) and the Power Development Plan (PDP), which integrates the Smart Grid Plan (SGP)”. Similarly, the IRENA Report determines that “the share of renewable energy in Thailand is expected to increase from the current 12% to 37%.

Thailand also has established a roadmap for enhancing the growth of renewable energy, which is known as REmap 2036 Under REmap, “solar power alone will reach in 2036 a total capacity of 17GW instead of previous target of 6GW”. The new solar power target of 17GW in 2036 is likely to be achieved due to “decreased solar panel costs and Thailand’s abundant solar energy resource potential”.

Thailand will also establish its new Power Development Plan (PDP) during the first quarter of 2019. Under the new PDP, the renewable energy quota for Thailand will increase to 18% (20,757 MW) by 2037 and “solar power generated by the private sector is expected to be at 10,000 MW”. 

On May 24, 2019, a pilot program for 100 MW of household solar rooftops was launched. The pilot program on its first day installed solar rooftops at 70 households and generated total power capacity of 393.11 Under Thailand’s Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP 2018). Power generation capacity for renewable energy sources will be fed into the national power grid. This is estimated to include “solar power generating 15, 574 MW, biomass generating 5,786 MW, wind turbines generating 2,989 MW, hydroelectric power from domestic generators and from Laos generating 3,000 MW, and waste to energy generating from 500 MW previously to 900 MW at present.” As an outcome, these renewable energy sources will “contribute a total of 29,358 MW, or 33% of the national electricity generating capacity”. 

At present, Thailand has plans to boost its renewable energy production through the liberalization of businesses. Liberalization will enhance the growth of renewable energy in Thailand by “opening the door to new business opportunities for local foreign companies, technologies, and concepts”. 

To learn more about Thailand’s renewable energy status please visit https://pugnatorius.com/solar-energy-outlook-2020/ 

Thailand is certainly moving in the right direction with respect to boosting its renewable energy production. Steps being taken to enhance renewable energy growth in Thailand include market incentives to encourage renewable energy investments, facilitation of policies and plans in favour of increasing renewable energy growth, and implementing renewable energy projects or pilot programs such as the 100 MW of household solar rooftops launched on May 24, 2019. At present, different projects are also in-place for increasing power generation from solar power. However, one crucial consideration needs to be given by the government and policymakers for ensuring that renewable energy growth is successfully achieved for the long-term. This consideration should include the active involvement of all stakeholders in the policy-formulation, thereby ensuring strong public as well as stakeholder support is for policies being taken to boost renewable energy. 

To help Thailand in boosting its power generation from renewable energy sources at present and in the long-term, you can contact the members of the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, Ministry of Energy, Thailand with the following Action Alert message:

We congratulate the Government of Thailand for undertaking different measures and policies for enhancing renewable energy production and generation. Boosting renewable energy will certainly strengthen Thailand’s NDC commitment to the Paris Agreement. However, more is needed to be done. Here, your role will be crucial. As a prominent member of the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, Ministry of Energy, Thailand, I kindly request you to consider one recommendation. The recommendation is to include active involvement of all stakeholders during the formulation of renewable energy plans and policies. This will lead to strong stakeholder and public support for renewable energy policies and projects. 

Send Action Alert Message to:

Mr. Yongyut Jantararotai

Director General

Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, Ministry of Energy

17 Rama 1 Rd, Kasatsuk Bridge,

Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

Thailand,

Telephone: +662-223-0021-9, Ext: 1021

Email: yongyutJ2@gmail.com