Electricity in Thailand in 2024
In 2024, Thailand's electricity consumption profile remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which account for more than two-thirds of the total electricity production. Gas alone makes up more than half of this share, at about 58%, while coal contributes around 14%. Low-carbon energy, which encompasses biofuels, hydropower, solar, and wind, represents a smaller portion of the electricity mix, at approximately 13%. Among low-carbon sources, biofuels lead with nearly 6%, while wind and solar contribute modestly at around 2% each. Net imports form around 16% of the electricity supply, indicating reliance on foreign sources to meet domestic demand. It is evident that Thailand has significant potential to increase its commitment to cleaner energy to reduce the environmental impact of its electricity system.
Is Electricity Growing in Thailand?
Electricity consumption in Thailand is indeed growing, with figures from 2024 showing an average of 3300 kWh per person. This marks an increase from the previous record in 2023, which was 3125 kWh per person, reflecting a rise of 176 kWh per person. While overall electricity consumption is on the rise, low-carbon electricity generation hasn't kept pace. The latest figures for 2024 show that low-carbon generation is at 414 kWh per person, which is lower than the 2018 peak of 420 kWh per person, indicating a slight decrease. This stagnation in green electricity growth is concerning, especially as global energy trends emphasize the transition towards more sustainable sources. Expanding low-carbon electricity will be crucial for Thailand's future energy security and environmental sustainability.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Thailand can look to successful examples globally. For instance, Denmark generates more than half of its electricity from wind power, showcasing the potential of harnessing wind energy in coastal regions. In solar, Lebanon stands out with more than 30% of its electricity derived from solar power, offering a model for solar investments in sunny regions. Furthermore, countries like France and Slovakia have embraced nuclear energy for a majority of their electricity supply, demonstrating the reliability and capacity of nuclear as a clean energy source. By learning from these successes, Thailand can diversify its green electricity portfolio, integrating solar, wind, and potentially nuclear options, to meet growing electricity demands and achieve environmental goals.
History
Historically, Thailand has seen varied changes in its low-carbon electricity generation. During the 1980s and early 1990s, hydropower experienced growth, evidenced by gradual increases in generation such as 1.8 TWh in 1986. However, the late 1990s saw fluctuations, with declines like -2 TWh in 1998, before rebounding in 2000 with a 2.5 TWh rise. The 2010s continued this trend, featuring ups and downs in both hydro and biofuels contributions. For instance, biofuels saw a massive increase in 2016 with 10.8 TWh, though it faced declines in subsequent years, like -3.6 TWh in 2019. While wind energy showed positive progress with a 2 TWh increase in 2019, the inconsistency especially in hydropower highlights the need for a strategic approach in expanding Thailand's clean energy landscape. By achieving greater consistency and exploring new low-carbon options, Thailand can build a more resilient and sustainable electricity sector.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.