Thailand's heavy dependence on natural gas for power generation has been trimmed to 60% from 70% thanks to greater use of coal and renewable energysources, says the Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo).
COAL POWER FROM LAOS
The coal-fired Hongsa power plant in Laos has helped to increase the proportionof coal in Thailand's power resources to 27% from 19% last year. The first phase of the plant started operation in June and supplies 67% of it’s capacity to Thailand. The second unit of the Hongsa plant started last month, while the final unit is due to start operation next March with an additional capacity of 626 MW.
RENEWABLE ENERGY'S RISING IMPORTANCE
Development of solar farms, biomass and biogas power plants over the past two years has increased renewable energy's share of the national load to 8% from 6%. Next year more than 1,000 MW of power from solar farms will help to pare downpower demand during the hot season.
LONG-TERM CUTS IN GAS PLANNED
Long term, energy policymakers plan to cut gas use in the power sector to 40% by 2026, while coal would make up 25% and renewable energy 30%.
The additional power from Hongsa will also help to secure the power supply during the disruption caused when gas production in Thailand and Myanmar is shut down for maintenance and repair next year.