Thailand relies significantly on energy imports, especially from crude oil and coal. Considerable natural gas resources are available domestically and used as the main source of power generation (almost 70% of total electricity generation). However, as around 50% of natural gas demand is imported, it raises concerns about the security of supply.
The main driver for Thailand’s energy policy is to diversify energy mix ensuring the security of energy supply. Thailand’s Ministry of Energy has developed the Thailand Integrated Energy Blueprint (TIEB), in which five energy master plans are reviewed for the period 2015 – 2036, in consistent with the national economic and social development plan. The five master plans are: The Power Development Plan (PDP), The Energy Efficiency Development Plan (EEDP), The Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP), The Oil Development Plan and The Gas Development Plan.
The AEDP 2015 was developed with the focus on promoting energy production within the full potential of domestic renewable energy resources and developing appropriate renewable energy production in consideration to the benefit in social and environmental dimensions in the community.
Other relevant bodies include: National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC) that operates at ministerial level, Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) – a national agency responsible for policy formulation, and Department of Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) aiming at promoting and supporting sustainable energy production and consumption.
Source: PEA and MEA