Electricity in Thailand in 2023

The data we are discussing is based on our own forecast model, which uses actual electricity consumption data for the first 11 months of 2023 and forecasted data for the remaining month. Electricity consumption in Thailand is currently dominated by fossil energy sources, with gas contributing 129 TWh and coal adding another 30 TWh, making up the bulk of the 160 TWh from fossil fuels. Low-carbon energy sources like biofuels, hydropower, solar, and wind contribute 30 TWh of electricity together. Importantly, net imports provide 29 TWh. When comparing this to the global average, which is 432 watts per person, Thailand's per capita electricity generation is lower. This lower level of electricity generation has the potential to impact economic growth and overall living standards, highlighting the need for increased capacity, especially from low-carbon sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

Suggestions

Thailand can substantially increase its low-carbon electricity generation by drawing lessons from other countries. For instance, China has excelled in wind and solar power, generating 886 TWh and 584 TWh, respectively. Similarly, the United States is a leader in nuclear energy, generating 775 TWh, and can serve as an example for nuclear development. Countries like India and Brazil have also made significant strides in solar and wind energy, generating 113 TWh and 96 TWh, respectively. Thailand can emulate these successes by investing heavily in nuclear, wind, and solar energy projects. Specifically, India's experience in scaling up solar power, which is geographically and economically similar to Thailand, presents a practical case study for rapidly expanding low-carbon electricity infrastructure.

History

Historically, Thailand has seen fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation, with notable increases in hydropower during the early 1980s, 1990s, and late 2000s. In 1981, 1986, and 1989, hydropower saw each year an increment of around 2 TWh. However, there were some challenging years, particularly in 1998 and 1999, when hydropower contributions fell by 2 and 1.6 TWh, respectively. The most remarkable growth in biofuels occurred in 2016 with an increase of 11 TWh, though this was followed by a subsequent decrease. Wind power has shown promise, especially in 2019 with a significant rise of 2 TWh. As Thailand continues to invest in low-carbon energy sources, learning from past successes and challenges will be crucial to achieving a sustainable and efficient energy mix that meets future demand.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources