Thailand’s National Energy Policy Council has significantly boosted the annual quota for public solar power projects from 100 MW to 400 MW, aiming to reduce electricity costs for consumers by 8% and achieve carbon neutrality by 2065.
Increased Quota for Thailand Solar Power Projects
Thailand’s National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) has made a significant decision to increase the annual quota for public solar power projects from 100 megawatts (MW) to 400 MW. This expansion is a key part of the country’s broader strategy to transition to renewable energy and reduce electricity costs for consumers.
Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga announced that the government aims to lower electricity bills by at least 8% through this initiative. This reduction is expected to save consumers around 20 satang per unit on their electricity bills, offering substantial financial relief.
The move is also part of Thailand’s ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2065, with solar power playing a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To explore more about Thailand’s solar initiatives, visit Thailand Solar News Archives.
Expanding Thailand Solar Power and Renewable Energy Sources
The government has also decided to quadruple the quota for solar power generation on public rooftops from 50 MW to 200 MW, with an additional 50 MW dedicated to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
These increases in solar power capacity are designed to encourage widespread adoption of renewable energy across the country.
In addition to solar power, the NEPC has introduced a new policy to promote the use of green hydrogen. This policy allows companies that generate electricity using green hydrogen to sell surplus power to state electricity authorities.
To support this initiative, the NEPC has approved a quota of 1,000 MW for green hydrogen energy production.
The NEPC has also approved an additional quota of 1,500 MW for electricity generated from renewable energy sources, specifically targeting the industrial sector. This includes 1,000 MW for rooftop solar panels and 500 MW for ground-mounted solar panels. For detailed insights into Thailand’s solar panel manufacturing, visit Thailand Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.
Government Support for Thailand Solar Power and Clean Energy
To further encourage the adoption of renewable energy, the government has approved financial support for various projects. This includes a 1.06 billion baht payment to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to support a pilot carbon capture and storage project.
Additionally, the government has allocated 1.16 billion baht to fund 19 renewable energy projects under the Energy Conservation Fund. These projects aim to promote the use of clean energy and improve energy efficiency across the country.
The NEPC has also decided to maintain the current price structure for electricity. The rate remains at 3.98 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit) for the period from January 1 to April 30, 2024. This price stability is crucial for both consumers and businesses as the country continues to invest in renewable energy infrastructure.
The increased quotas for public solar power projects, combined with new policies for green hydrogen and other renewable energy sources, demonstrate Thailand’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.
