Bangkok: The Ministry of Energy has confirmed that the purchase of 2,100 MW of clean electricity will not affect electricity bills and is in compliance with legal standards. The initiative is expected to reduce LNG imports and aligns with the Quick Big Win policy, aiming to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry is expediting the preparation of the Power Development Plan (PDP) 2025 to increase the proportion of clean electricity. Community solar farm power plants are projected to purchase electricity at approximately 2.16 – 2.20 baht per unit. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, with no impact on overall electricity costs.
Mr. Weerapat Kiatfuengfoo, the Deputy Permanent Secretary and spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, addressed concerns regarding the purchase of clean energy. He stated that the process complies with the resolutions of the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). A working group led by the Office of the Council of State and the Comptroller General’s Department reviewed the process and confirmed its legality.
The Ministry highlighted that when comparing the private sector’s electricity purchase prices, additional factors such as land acquisition and installation of transmission lines must be considered. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) calculated that if the private sector were to implement similar schemes, tariffs would be around 2.19 baht per unit for solar farms and 4.37 baht per unit for wind power plants. The Energy Policy Committee (EPC) has requested the ERC and EGAT to collaborate with the private sector to reduce electricity prices.
The 1,500 MW community solar farm project, part of the government’s Quick Big Win policy, aims to enhance energy security and reduce electricity costs for local communities by 40-80 satang per unit. It is expected to stimulate over 30 billion baht in national investment. The clean energy purchase and solar farm projects are estimated to cut LNG imports by around 720,000 tons annually, valued at approximately 16 billion baht, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2.2 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year.
Mr. Weerapat reiterated that the purchase from clean energy sources adheres to the ERC’s resolutions and has been legally reviewed. The Ministry is committed to expediting the PDP 2025 plan to ensure an appropriate and reasonably priced power generation ratio for the current situation.