Thailand is embarking on a transformative journey towards renewable energy, aiming to elevate its renewable energy share to 51% by 2037. This ambitious objective is a key component of the country’s updated Power Development Plan (PDP), reflecting a broader global movement towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Thailand renewable energy 2037 targets and milestones
- Solar Energy: The most significant contribution will come from solar power, with a target of 36,500 MW by 2037. This includes 6,000 MW of floating solar and 30,000 MW of ground-mounted solar energy. Floating solar, involving the installation of panels on water bodies, not only reduces water evaporation but also boosts efficiency by cooling the panels.
- Wind Energy: Wind energy is expected to expand to 5,000 MW, more than doubling from the current 2,100 MW.
- Hydropower: Hydro energy will rise to 4,000 MW, up from 3,100 MW.
- Biomass and Waste-to-Energy: Biomass energy will reach 4,000 MW, with waste-to-energy production expanding to 1,000 MW by 2037.
Strategies to achieve Thailand renewable energy 2037 goals
To realize these targets, Thailand plans to implement several strategic measures, including:
- Revising the PDP: The revised plan prioritizes renewable energy, aiming for a 51% share by 2037, an increase from the current 38.5%.
- Establishing a National Energy Storage System: Managed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), this system will facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
- Promoting Battery Storage: A subsidy program will encourage the adoption of battery storage systems to stabilize the grid and accommodate the inherently variable nature of renewable energy sources.
- Encouraging Private Sector Investment: Through mechanisms like the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and renewable energy credits, the government will incentivize private companies to invest in renewable energy projects.
- Attracting Foreign Investment: Thailand aims to position itself as an attractive destination for foreign investments in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind projects.
ASEAN region and Thailand renewable energy 2037 outlook
Thailand is not alone in its renewable energy ambitions. Other ASEAN countries are also pursuing increased shares of renewables:
- Vietnam: Targets 53% renewable energy by 2030.
- Cambodia: Aims for 59% by 2040.
- Indonesia: Plans for 52% by 2050.
- Malaysia: Projects a 50% share by 2050.
- Philippines: Seeks 57% by 2040.
Challenges and opportunities for Thailand renewable energy 2037
While the shift towards renewable energy offers substantial environmental and economic benefits, it comes with its challenges. Integrating large volumes of renewable energy into the grid requires meticulous planning and significant investment in infrastructure, including energy storage systems and smart grids.
The success of Thailand’s renewable energy transition will hinge on effective policy implementation, robust collaboration between the public and private sectors, and continuous investment in technology and infrastructure.
Conclusion on Thailand renewable energy 2037 transition
Thailand’s goal of achieving 51% renewable energy by 2037 marks a pivotal step towards a sustainable energy future. With the right policies and investments, Thailand can set a benchmark in renewable energy development, contributing significantly to global efforts to combat climate change and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
