Bangkok: The Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) has presented four strategic options for Thailand's draft Power Development Plan 2026, with a focus on maximizing clean energy to 89%, maintaining electricity prices between 3.83-3.89 baht per unit, and supporting the growth of artificial intelligence and data centers. Public consultations are scheduled for September 8th.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Energy, through the EPPO, is organizing a public consultation for the draft Power Development Plan of Thailand 2026-2050 (PDP2026) on September 8, 2026. This consultation aims to guide Thailand's energy direction towards carbon neutrality and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Mr. Wattanapong Kurovat, Director of the EPPO, stated that the draft PDP2026 addresses the challenges posed by the evolving electricity system, such as the demand for clean energy, the expansion of data centers and AI, the growth of residential energy sources, the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), and new global trade regulations like CBAM 2026, NDC 3.0, and the Carbon Tax Act.
The PDP2026 plan emphasizes a transition to a net-zero electricity future by 2050, branded as "resilient green energy." Adjustments have been made from the PDP 2024 plan, including a longer timeframe, an updated average GDP growth rate, and an expanded number of regional areas. Additionally, the baseline electricity usage pattern has shifted the peak usage time from 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
In terms of electricity demand and energy conservation by 2050, the Reserve Margin stability criterion has been replaced with a Loss of Load Expectation (LOLE) index, increasing the threshold from no more than 0.7 days per year to no more than 1.0 day per year.
The Energy Conservation Plan (EEP) has outlined measures across five main sectors: industry, buildings, residential, agriculture, and street lighting, with the EE Saving Profile adjusted to reflect actual electricity usage patterns.
The PDP2026 plan continues to emphasize three principles: electricity system security, achieving the Net Zero target by 2025, and fair pricing.
The draft PDP2026 offers four options:
Case 1 (Base Case) maintains transitional stability, with a clean energy ratio of 65% and a fossil fuel ratio of 35%, releasing 51.5 million tons of GHGs, and proposes an average electricity price of 3.8267 baht per unit.
Case 2 (Net Zero by CCS) retains the existing structure but incorporates Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, releasing 19.1 million tons of GHGs, with an average electricity price of 3.8859 baht per unit.
Case 3 (Net Zero by RE) focuses entirely on renewable energy, achieving an 89% clean energy ratio, releasing 16.6 million tons of GHGs, and proposes an average electricity price of 3.8297 baht per unit.
Case 4 (Net Zero by RE and CCS) combines renewable energy and CCS, releasing 19.1 million tons of GHGs and proposes an average electricity price of 3.8364 baht per unit.
The PDP2026 plan aims to unlock the energy structure and build a green production base by facilitating Direct Power Purchase Agreements (DPPs), expanding the clean energy industry, developing a Smart Grid electricity network, and achieving decentralized energy targets. The plan also includes developing SMR power plants and promoting low-carbon technologies.
The Ministry of Energy will hold a public consultation on September 8th, and after considering all stakeholder suggestions, the EPPO will submit the proposals to the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) for approval by the end of 2026.