Bangkok: The Minister of Energy has been pushing forward with green energy towards sustainability for the past four months. Energy Minister Atthapol Rerkpiboon outlined his four-month work policy to Parliament, stating his intention to proceed with projects in line with the Ministry of Finance’s “Quick Big Win” policy, advancing renewable energy, including public solar power, a 2,000-megawatt Direct Power Purchase Agreement (PPAs), and promoting Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS).
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthapol stated that the targeted projects include various citizen solar projects designed to generate income and reduce energy expenses. These projects encompass 1,500 megawatt community solar farms covering over 300 communities or 15,000 households nationwide and 1,200 solar water pumping projects covering over 700,000 rai nationwide. Additionally, the Ministry is accelerating solar cell tax deduction measures, offering a 200,000 baht tax deduction to encourage household solar energy use, with a target of 90,000 households.
The Energy Minister also emphasized the importance of accelerating approvals for floating solar power generation at three main dams under the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), with a combined production capacity of over 1,638 megawatts. Furthermore, the development of energy infrastructure to support the industrial sector is underway, featuring a 2,000 megawatt Direct PPA. This contract allows for the purchase of clean electricity directly from producers to consumers, enhancing the country’s competitiveness and supporting future industries, primarily focusing on data center groups.
Efforts are being made to develop the electrical system to support industries in the Eastern region by improving production systems and electricity transportation systems in the EEC area using the original budget framework. Increasing the efficiency of energy use in the industrial sector through the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund mechanism is also a priority, with an aim to raise awareness among various factories about the importance of this fund.
The Ministry of Energy is committed to creating long-term sustainability and moving towards Net Zero 2050. The People’s Solar Project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 3.6 million tons annually. The preparation of the Power Development Plan (PDP) is being accelerated by reviewing its details to meet the new Net Zero 2050 target within four months.
Mr. Atthapol also highlighted the Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) project in the Gulf of Thailand, which has the potential to store over 7 billion tons of carbon dioxide. Although the project requires an investment of hundreds of billions of baht and a 10-year period, Thailand is currently collaborating with Japan to explore the area and store carbon dioxide beneath the sea. Challenges remain due to a lack of supporting regulations for using ships to conduct surveys, but efforts are underway to advance this project.