Electricity in Thailand in 2023/2024

From July 2023 to June 2024, electricity in Thailand is predominantly generated from fossil-based sources, with more than 73% of the total electricity supply depending on this form of energy. Gas is the main contributor, making up around 60% of the electricity, while coal accounts for nearly 14%. Thailand's reliance on net imports also constitutes about 14% of the energy mix. In contrast, low-carbon sources, which include biofuels, hydropower, solar, and wind, collectively contribute to roughly 13% of the electricity supply. Specifically, biofuels contribute nearly 6%, hydropower around 3%, solar just under 3%, and wind about 2%. This highlights a significant potential for expansion in the low-carbon electricity sector to enhance sustainability and mitigate the negative impacts of fossil fuels such as climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Thailand could consider diversifying its energy sources and drawing insights from countries successful in this area. Countries like France and Slovakia demonstrate the potential of nuclear energy, generating 67% and 60% of their electricity from nuclear sources, respectively. This emphasizes the role nuclear energy can play in substantially reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, Denmark's extensive integration of wind power, accounting for nearly 60% of its electricity, serves as an inspiring model for harnessing wind energy. Greece and Chile also offer relevant insights with their significant contributions from solar energy, forming around 22% and 21% of their electricity mix. By learning from these countries, Thailand can effectively map out strategies to expand its clean energy capabilities, focusing on nuclear, wind, and solar energy, which are sustainable, reliable, and environmentally friendly.

History

Looking back at Thailand's history of low-carbon electricity, hydropower was a significant contributor during the 1980s and 1990s, with notable capacity increases in 1981, 1986, 1989, and 1995, but faced fluctuations with declines in 1998, 1999, 2010, 2013, and 2015. The early 2000s saw another rise, particularly in 2000 and again in 2011 and 2018. Biofuels experienced a substantial increase in 2013 and 2016, although this was followed by subsequent declines. Wind energy began contributing significantly in 2019, reflecting Thailand's gradual adoption of newer low-carbon technologies. This historical context underscores the potential for Thailand to continue evolving its electricity sector by investing more in consistent and scalable low-carbon sources such as nuclear, wind, and solar energy, ensuring a sustainable future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources