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.

How can energy storage help Thailand?

She said many energy storage technologies exist nowadays, such as pumped hydro, compressed air, flywheel, batteries, solar fuels and hydrogen. She also pointed out that energy storage can help Thailand in various aspects, such as electricity generation, renewable energy, system operation, and energy transmission and distribution.

Does Thailand need a flexible power system?

While the Thai power system has significant latent flexibility and a high reserve margin, it will nevertheless need to adapt to the greater need for flexibility that comes with ongoing changes on both the demand and supply side. Thailand’s power sector has two main avenues to enhance its flexibility.

Does Thailand need a flexible energy plan?

As Thailand further accelerates its clean energy transition, the country should still consider using a combination of flexibility options in its long-term planning to accommodate greater ambition for renewable energy deployment.

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.

Does Thailand have an enhanced single-buyer system?

Thailand has an enhanced single-buyer system, which means that the vertically integrated utility buys power from both its own generation assets and from independent power producers. This study is conducted in the context of the enhanced single-buyer system, and identifies contractual flexibility within this scope.