Thailand jinling substation energy storage

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 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.

Could a sodium-ion battery be a new business opportunity in Thailand?

The Federation of Thai Industries’ Renewable Energy Industry Club sees potential in sodium-ion battery (SIB) production as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. SIBs, made from rock salt, could offer a new business opportunity given Thailand’s abundant rock salt reserves.

Does Thailand offer private sector participation in renewable electricity generation?

The Government of Thailand has opened access for private sector participation in the renewable electricity generation business through its programs for small and very small power producers.

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.

How much electricity will Thailand produce in 2024?

These are set to make up 51 percent of the country’s total electricity production, up from 36 percent which was called for in the 2018 PDP. The 2024 PDP draft provided a more detailed breakdown of how Thailand will reach this goal. During the plan’s lifespan, 47,251 MW of new electricity will be sourced with 34,851 MW coming from renewables.