Market Trends of Thailand Solar Energy Industry
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Segment Expected to Dominate the Market
- The solar PV segment is likely to hold the major market share during the forecast period, owing to the declining costs of solar modules and the versatility of these systems for various applications, like electricity generation and water heating.
- According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), From 2019 to 2023, Thailand's Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installed Capacity increased from 2979 MW to 3181 MW, with the growth rate over this period being 6.78 percent. Moreover, the solar PV segment is expected to witness massive growth with the increasing solar PV encouraged by government initiatives and falling solar PV costs in Thailand.
- In recent years, Thailand has seen a significant uptick in solar energy projects. These initiatives align with the government's ambitious commitment to renewables, which targets a 50 percent share in the power generation mix by 2037, up from an earlier goal of 20 percent.
- For instance, in October 2024, TotalEnergies ENEOS completed a 1.8 MWp floating solar PV system in Thailand, their second project with S. Kijchai Enterprise. The system, with over 3,000 modules, generates 2,650 MWh annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 1,125 tons, equivalent to planting 16,800 trees. This project is funded and operated by TotalEnergies ENEOS under a long-term PPA.
- Additionally, in May 2024, Gulf Energy Development Private Limited finalized 25-year-long power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to construct 25 solar PV farms, totaling 1,353 MW. These projects, part of a larger renewables scheme by the Energy Regulatory Commission, will receive feed-in tariffs and are expected to start commercial operations between 2024 and 2029, offering a cost-effective power solution.
- Owing to such developments, the solar PV segment is expected to have a dominant market share in Thailand during the forecast period.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
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Supportive Government Policies to Drive the Market
- The Thai government is encouraging renewable energy installations across the country to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20-25% in seven years. The government has also supported the solar power market by providing various incentives and regulatory support.
- Thailand has set a target for renewables to account for 30 percent of the power mix by 2037. In 2023, the country installed 12,547 MW of renewable energy capacity, which was higher than the 7,902 MW installed in 2015.
- In August 2024, Thailand approved an energy-saving scheme targeting public sector agencies, aiming to save 585 million kWh annually. The program will use the energy service company (ESCO) model to install solar panels and other energy-saving measures through long-term contracts.
- In July 2024, Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul visited Japan to promote a circular economy in Thailand, focusing on sustainable development goals (SDGs) and carbon neutrality. The collaboration includes recycling solar panels as part of the Bio, Circular, and Green (BCG) economy model, aiming to enhance sustainable resource management.
- In May 2023, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), under the Smart Grid Pilot Project in Mae Hong Son Province, held a Commercial Operation Date (COD) ceremony for the 3 MW Solar Power Plant and 4 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project.
- Moreover, in March 2023, Thailand's National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) introduced quotas for purchasing clean electricity via the Feed-in-Tariff Scheme, which will be implemented in two phases. The feed-in tariff rates are 2.1679 THB per unit for ground-mounted solar and 2.8331 THB per unit for solar + storage. Both types of power plants will have a 25-year term for the feed-in tariff.
- Therefore, supportive government policies and initiatives are expected to drive the Thailand solar energy market in the forecast period.
