Thailand commercial energy storage field

Does Thailand need a battery energy storage system?

Thailand may lack the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) necessary to navigate supply and demand challenges. The 2024 PDP draft included 10,000 MW of BESS, but this may see the country struggle to fulfil carbon neutrality and Net Zero commitments over the coming decades.

What is the demand for battery energy storage systems in Thailand?

The demand for battery energy storage systems in Thailand has been growing as the country's renewable energy capacity expands. This trend is expected to continue in the post-pandemic era. In the Thailand Battery Energy Storage Market, leading players include international companies such as Tesla, LG Chem, and BYD.

Can Bess create business opportunities in Thailand?

Watcharin Boonyarit, director of solar energy development at the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, noted the potential for BESS to create business opportunities as Thailand transitions to renewable power sources. “We should not only import BESS but also consider new investment projects in this battery business.”

What is Thailand's 2024 Power Development Plan?

Thailand’s 2024 power development plan (PDP) aims to increase renewable energy use, highlighting the importance of BESS alongside solar panels and wind turbines. This could create new business opportunities for entrepreneurs if prices decrease or new technologies emerge for stationary batteries.

What is a battery energy storage system?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential for buildings and renewable power generation facilities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. Renewable sources like solar and wind power are intermittent, and influenced by weather patterns. BESS mitigates this issue by storing electricity for future use.

Why do some solar projects in Thailand have non-firm PPAs?

Many solar projects in Thailand have non-firm PPAs in place due to a lack of storage on site. Arrangements, including BESS, reduce the strain on power grid infrastructure and allow for better planning. On the downside, these do not improve grid stability, nor do they provide power generators with more pathways to increase revenue.