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.

Could a sodium-ion battery be a new business opportunity in Thailand?

The Federation of Thai Industries’ Renewable Energy Industry Club sees potential in sodium-ion battery (SIB) production as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. SIBs, made from rock salt, could offer a new business opportunity given Thailand’s abundant rock salt reserves.

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.

How many mw can a solar generator store in Thailand?

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. Many solar projects in Thailand have non-firm PPAs in place due to a lack of storage on site.

Will EGAT & other power firms expand their renewable power generation capacity?

As EGAT and other power firms expand their renewable power generation capacity, the role of BESS will grow, aligning with the government’s plan to reduce dependence on fossil fuel-fired power plants. The PDP outlines an increase in renewable energy’s share to 51% of total power generation by 2037, up from 20% last year.

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.