Does Thailand need a battery energy storage system?

Thailand may lack the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) necessary to navigate supply and demand challenges. The 2024 PDP draft included 10,000 MW of BESS, but this may see the country struggle to fulfil carbon neutrality and Net Zero commitments over the coming decades.

How many mw can a solar generator store in Thailand?

Their total combined storage capacity was 994 MW. Interestingly, this allowed generators to sign semi-firm power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) with minimum availability guarantees. Many solar projects in Thailand have non-firm PPAs in place due to a lack of storage on site.

Is energy storage a viable business model in Thailand?

The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand will explore the feasibility of energy storage business models in collaboration with Nuovo Plus, a subsidiary of state-owned oil and gas company PTT Group.

What is Thailand's 2024 Power Development Plan?

Thailand’s 2024 power development plan (PDP) aims to increase renewable energy use, highlighting the importance of BESS alongside solar panels and wind turbines. This could create new business opportunities for entrepreneurs if prices decrease or new technologies emerge for stationary batteries.

What is Thailand's power development plan?

Thailand’s Power Development Plan (PDP) outlines an ambitious goal: for renewables to exceed 50% of the national power mix in the future. Projects like floating solar farms on dam surfaces are already being piloted and could add up to 500 MW of capacity. But even as policies shift forward, challenges on the ground remain.

What kind of energy does Thailand use?

Thailand heavily relies on fossil fuels, with natural gas and coal accounting for the majority of its power generation. Renewable energy, including biofuels and waste-to-energy, represents about 10% of the mix, with solar and wind at 4%.