Bangkok: The Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) is seeking public feedback on the draft Power Development Plan (PDP2026), which outlines a 25-year strategy aimed at transitioning Thailand towards a green energy system and achieving a Net Zero goal by 2050. According to Thai News Agency, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy emphasized that small-scale nuclear power plants are supported by international standards, and various sectors will contribute to ensuring their safety.
The EPPO is conducting a public consultation on PDP 2026, which is set to guide Thailand's electricity system until 2050. Mr. Prasert Sinsukprasert, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, highlighted that the plan is not just about building power plants, but represents a long-term investment in the Thai energy industry, considering the evolving electricity consumption patterns driven by electric vehicles, data centers, and the digital economy.
The PDP 2026's initial phase, spanning 2026-2037, aims to increase energy generation and storage capacity to 50,900 megawatts. Solar power is expected to contribute 24,300 megawatts, battery energy storage systems (BESS) 14,500 megawatts, combined cycle natural gas power plants 9,100 megawatts, wind power 2,700 megawatts, and small-scale nuclear power plants 300 megawatts.
Mr. Prasert noted that solar energy is anticipated to become the centerpiece of Thailand's new electricity generation capacity, creating opportunities for various sectors, including solar panel manufacturers and installation contractors. To address fluctuations in solar power availability, BESS is projected to reach 14,500 megawatts, offering prospects for battery manufacturers and energy management software providers. However, local businesses will face competition from imported technologies.
Despite the focus on clean energy, the PDP 2026 includes plans for 9,100 megawatts of combined cycle gas power plants in the initial phase, acknowledging the need for system stability during renewable energy shortfalls. This reflects the necessity of a gradual transition from fossil fuels to renewables, requiring power plants capable of maintaining system balance around the clock.
The draft plan extends the target for small-scale nuclear power plants to approximately 9,000 megawatts by 2050, marking a significant shift towards incorporating nuclear technology into Thailand's energy infrastructure. The Permanent Secretary assured that nuclear projects will adhere to international safety standards and involve collaboration among Thai stakeholders to ensure safety and acceptance.