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.

How many mw can a solar generator store in Thailand?

Their total combined storage capacity was 994 MW. Interestingly, this allowed generators to sign semi-firm power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) with minimum availability guarantees. Many solar projects in Thailand have non-firm PPAs in place due to a lack of storage on site.

Why is Thailand transforming the energy sector?

The Thailand energy sector stands at a pivotal moment in its development, propelled by a convergence of political will, private sector innovation, and international cooperation. The country is not merely adapting to the energy transition—it is helping to define it for the ASEAN region.

Why does Thailand rely on natural gas?

As of 2022, natural gas continued to dominate the Thailand energy sector, accounting for 33.3 of total electricity production according to the International Energy Agency. This reliance stems from decades of investment in gas-fired power plants and the availability of domestic gas fields, particularly in the Gulf of Thailand.

Why is battery storage a problem in Thailand?

This is partly due to a lack of clarity on how battery storage fits into existing electricity infrastructure. In 2022, the Thai government approved 24 BESS projects, all of which were located alongside solar operations. Their total combined storage capacity was 994 MW.

Which energy sources are used in Thailand in 2022?

By 2022, renewable energy sources made up 18.3% of total energy generated in Thailand, a trend of 169% compared to the year 2000. Hydropower leads the way in renewable energy generation, followed by solar photovoltaics, biomass, wind, and biogas.