Energy storage power stations already in operation in Thailand

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.

Why is battery storage a problem in Thailand?

This is partly due to a lack of clarity on how battery storage fits into existing electricity infrastructure. In 2022, the Thai government approved 24 BESS projects, all of which were located alongside solar operations. Their total combined storage capacity was 994 MW.

Why do some solar projects in Thailand have non-firm PPAs?

Many solar projects in Thailand have non-firm PPAs in place due to a lack of storage on site. Arrangements, including BESS, reduce the strain on power grid infrastructure and allow for better planning. On the downside, these do not improve grid stability, nor do they provide power generators with more pathways to increase revenue.

When will Thai electricity project start?

This project is planned to start in April 2022 and will be commercial in December. By then, it can provide clean electricity for Thai people with constant power, help improve the overall stability and security of Thai power grid and quicken Thai’s step to realize the National 4.0 Strategy.

How much electricity will Thailand produce in 2024?

These are set to make up 51 percent of the country’s total electricity production, up from 36 percent which was called for in the 2018 PDP. The 2024 PDP draft provided a more detailed breakdown of how Thailand will reach this goal. During the plan’s lifespan, 47,251 MW of new electricity will be sourced with 34,851 MW coming from renewables.

How many Bess projects were approved in Thailand in 2022?

In 2022, the Thai government approved 24 BESS projects, all of which were located alongside solar operations. 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.