Bangkok, The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) expects to open for purchasing electricity from renewable energy projects for groups with no fuel costs, Phase 2, 3,668.5 megawatts, according to the NBTC resolution in Q4/67. As for Direct PPA 2,000 megawatts, it is expected that the purchasing criteria will be announced next year. Mr. Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, Secretary-General of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), said that after the Energy Policy Administration Committee (NEPC) chaired by the Minister of Energy yesterday (July 31) approved the principles of the renewable energy project for the group with no fuel costs, Phase 2, 3,668.5 megawatts, by providing a quota for bidders who passed the criteria in the first round but were not selected, for wind power not exceeding 600 megawatts and solar power not exceeding 1,580 megawatts. As for the remaining quota of approximately 1,488.5 megawatts, it will be open for general purchase. In this regard, the ERC will take the resolution to proceed. The conside ration will be transparent because there are clear selection scores from the first round that can be explained to society. The overall picture and the opening of purchases from new entrants are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2024. Renewable energy will consist of wind, solar power excluding batteries, industrial waste and biogas. 'Although there are still lawsuits for the first round of renewable energy purchases of 5,203 megawatts, 175 were selected, the second round of purchases will continue in line with government policy, which will promote clean energy and attract more investment in clean energy. In this second round, the ERC has unlocked the case for those who file lawsuits with the ERC, which will also be considered. Everything will be transparent,' said Mr. Poolpat. As for the Cabinet's approval of the renewable energy electricity trading project in the form of a direct power purchase agreement (Direct Power Purchase Agreement: Direct PPA) of 2,000 megawatts to promote investment in mode rn technology groups such as data centers and others, the EGAT is waiting for the Cabinet's resolution in order to draft regulations for further action, which is expected to be clear in 2025. This is a pilot project for the trading of electricity from renewable energy in the form of a direct power purchase agreement through requesting to use the electricity grid system for a third party (Third Party Access: TPA). There must be a discussion on the cost of transmission lines (willing charge) from the 3 electricity authorities, which must be considered to be fair to all parties. Source: Thai News Agency