Bangkok: The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) emphasizes the need to advance self-reliance and adopt a Net Zero approach in response to the ongoing global energy crisis, with the goal of fortifying the nation's resilience. Dr. Poolpat Leesombatpaiboon, Secretary-General and spokesperson for the ERC, highlighted vulnerabilities faced by countries dependent on energy imports due to current geopolitical tensions and market volatility.
According to Thai News Agency, the ERC is committed to upgrading the nation's energy system to enhance self-reliance while simultaneously striving for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This dual focus not only addresses environmental concerns but also strengthens the nation's long-term energy and economic resilience.
Dr. Poolpat noted that reliance on external energy sources is unsustainable, especially during wartime situations. He emphasized the importance of developing domestic clean energy to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen Thailand's energy system.
The ERC anticipates a potential decrease in energy prices if global conflicts subside. However, it warns that long-term reliance on imports remains risky, despite short-term price reductions. As the world transitions to clean energy, maintaining competitiveness and attracting investment hinges on clean electricity.
In the near future, the ERC plans to accelerate the development of a robust energy regulatory framework to support domestic energy production and consumption. This includes empowering the public and businesses in electricity self-generation while ensuring fairness and preventing exploitation.
The ERC is also focused on enhancing clean electricity access through initiatives like the Utility Green Tariff (UGT) and Direct Power Purchase Agreements (Direct PPA). These mechanisms aim to support investment in modern industries and decrease long-term energy costs. The UGT1 has already facilitated the sale of 200 units of green energy, with UGT2 set to offer an additional 2,100 megawatts.
To advance regulatory tools, the ERC is integrating Big Data and AI via the Energy Foresight system for trend analysis and demand forecasting. Additionally, the development of an Energy Regulatory Data Center will enable accurate, transparent, and responsive data-driven regulation.
In the long-term, the ERC recognizes the importance of preparing human resources by promoting skills in clean energy, such as solar rooftop system management, to support the decentralization of energy and address future clean energy technology cost fluctuations.
Reflecting on past achievements, the ERC has laid the groundwork for significant mechanisms supporting these goals. The commercial green electricity market, spearheaded by the Utility Green Tariff (UGT) project, allocates 2 billion units of green electricity annually, currently serving 41 users with over 142 million units consumed. This supports global organizations and high-tech industry investments. Dr. Poolpat reiterated the ERC's commitment to creating a stable, self-reliant, and resilient energy system that aligns with global changes while leaving no one behind.