Thailand’s Ministry of Energy is intensifying efforts to roll out a comprehensive National Energy Plan (NEP) to meet the country’s ambitious goal of reducing carbon emissions by 222 million tons by 2030. Central to this plan is a major expansion in solar energy, with required investments estimated at over THB 2.9 trillion (USD 78.3 billion), projected to cut CO2 emissions by more than 106 million tons by 2037.
The Thai government has set an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% of baseline levels by 2030. To achieve this, the country is formulating the NDC Action Plan on Mitigation 2021-2030, currently being reviewed by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), noted that the National Power Plan will align with the broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30-40% by 2030.
The NEP integrates five key plans:
- Thailand’s Power Generation Development Plan (PDP 2024)
- Alternative and Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP)
- Energy Conservation Plan (EEP)
- Natural Gas Management Plan (Gas Plan)
- Fuel Management Plan (Oil Plan)
Each of these plans plays a vital role in the overall carbon reduction strategy.
Power Generation Development Plan (PDP 2024)
The PDP 2024 is designed to ensure stability in Thailand’s electricity supply, with a total projected capacity of 112,391 megawatts. Significantly, 51% of this capacity will be sourced from clean energy.
Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP 2024)
The AEDP 2024 sets a goal to increase the share of renewable and alternative energy to 36% of total consumption by 2037, with a strong emphasis on biofuels for transportation.
Energy Conservation Plan (EEP 2024)
The EEP 2024 aims to reduce energy intensity by 36%, focusing on both electricity and heat consumption, while also promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) to further energy efficiency goals.
(Source: The Nation)
