The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) will propose to the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC), chaired by junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the introduction of policies to accelerate renewable energy development to strengthen energy security.
PEA governor Numchai Lowattanatakul yesterday said Thailand depended too much on natural gas, which accounts for 70% of the total installed capacity.
Around one-fourth of gas consumed in Thailand comes from Myanmar at 1.1 billion cubic feet per day with another 500 million from the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (JDA).
"It’s now time for energy policymakers to accelerate the development of renewable energies for the country to be self-reliant," said Mr Numchai.
Diversification from gas to other energies such as clean coal or nuclear energy has yet to be fruitful given the lack of concrete policy direction and protests by environmentalists and local communities.
Deputy junta chief ACM Prajin Jantong, who is vice-chairman of the NEPC, told energy policymakers that renewable energy is required in electricity generation to enhance energy security.
“I think Thailand has high potential for renewable energy, as we have a lot agricultural and municipal waste. We are strong in solar energy and biogas," said Mr Numchai.
However, the Energy Ministry should prepare measures to attract investors to drive the development of renewable energy which costs more than fossil fuels.
A ministry source said the acceleration of renewable energy development should be the priority of the newly elected NEPC, but the plan has not been finalised.
The Renewable Energy Development and Efficiency Department said Thailand had 3,788 megawatts of power-generating capacity at the end of last year, accounting for 11.3% of the total 33,380 MW.
Under the Renewable Energy Development Plan, Thailand targets having 13,927 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2021 or 30.9% of the country's total generating capacity.
Natural gas has faced frequent disruptions during the last couple of years. The JDA's A18 Block, for example, faces a maintenance shutdown until July 10, resulting in a drop of 10% of total gas demand in Thailand.
The JDA disruption has raised concerns about power blackouts in several southern provinces.