The need to add wind and solar power is becoming more urgent due to rising gas prices and declining home supplies.
Thailand is the most recent nation to accept wind and solar in order to lessen its reliance on imported fuel. The consequences from the global energy crisis is forcing Thailand to speed its transition to solar after dragging its feet for decades.
According to Wattanapong Kurovat, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office, the nation was forced to reevaluate its solar energy system as a result of last year’s spike in natural gas costs brought on by Russian invasion of Ukraine. The decrease in nearby manufacturing made the situation worse.
In an interview in Bangkok, Mr. Wattanapong stated that” when we asked renewable power plants to buy us more energy next year, we found that what we had was actually all there was.” ” When we needed more, we don’t call for it.”
Others, like Thailand, are looking at solar panel and wind turbines to become more energy active while some nations are responding to the increase in global petrol prices by investing more in fuel mines or oil fields.
The government announced winners for a power purchase plan covering roughly 5 gigawatts of renewable energy and nbsp last month as part of an effort to increase energy security. This is the largest so-called feed-in tariff program to date and is expected to basically triple wind and solar capacity by 2030. In addition, government are currently preparing another round for 3.67 terawatts later this year, according to Mr. Wattanapong.
Thailand has reversed its long-standing preference for natural gas as a transfer gas to eventually switch to cleaner sources, which has stalled fresh wind and solar. Additionally, it can be challenging for solar projects to establish themselves in some parts of the emerging world due to system restrictions, dark audio, and a lack of funding.
After spot prices increased last year, the nation’s reliance on liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) imports for power generation has led to skyrocketing costs. In order to stop utility bill increases last year, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand ( Egat) was burdened with roughly 150 billion baht in costs.
In the system for the May 14 vote, rising energy costs have become a concern, leading five parties to suggest cutting energy bills. The need for private solar sources has increased as households and businesses suffer, according to Mr. Wattanapong.
According to Mr. Wattanapong, the government’s upcoming power development strategy, which is anticipated to be presented later this year to a new cabinet, will have more ambitious clean energy goals. The adjustments are already intended to assist Thailand in achieving its net zero emissions by 2030, which is 30 to 40 percent of its climate goals.
According to Mr. Wattanapong, by 2037, renewable energy will make up more than 50 % of the total energy balance, up from about 20 % under the original plan.
The intensity is also accompanied by a decline in home gas production. Erawan, the largest natural gas field in the Gulf of Thailand, saw a 64 % decline in output last year after US-based Chevron Corp. sold the area to state-owned PTT Exploration & amp, Production Plc. The government wants to lessen its reliance on fuel while still aiming to increase home performance through 2024.
According to Mr. Wattanapong,” our private natural gas supply will just continue to decline.” Heat may eventually have a smaller impact on the energy mix.