Market Intelligence
Renewable Energy Thailand Exports

Thailand Smart Grid

The Royal Thai Government (RTG) has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 percent by 2030. Consistent with this, the RTG has put a high priority on increasing “clean” renewable energy and reducing use of fossil fuels and launched a 20-year Smart Grid Master Plan in 2015 to support this goal. This 20-year Master Plan creates a roadmap to guide multi-agency efforts, particularly for three of Thailand’s power authorities, in their system and network modernization planning and investment. 

In support of the Master Plan, Thailand’s three electricity authorities, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), have been conducting pilot projects under their areas of responsibility. Pilot projects of EGAT emphasize grid modernization, big data, grid connectivity, and renewable energy forecasting. Meanwhile, pilot projects by the MEA and PEA focus on distribution system management, smart metering, and demand response. The technologies and systems needed to meet the three aims of the Master Plan provide opportunity for U.S. exporters.  

  • System Modernization or “Smart System”: ICT Integration; energy and distribution management systems; data communication systems; automation; wide-area monitoring, protection, and control systems.
     
  • Consumer-Focused Reforms or “Smart Life”: Real-time pricing; efficient demand response; smart grid hardware and software; intelligent charging system; smart meter; meter data management.
     
  • Increased Use of Renewable or “Green Society”: Reform of Thailand’s grid code, renewable energy forecast systems; development of energy storage systems to support renewable-based microgrids.

The U.S. Commercial Service in Bangkok can help you find the projects within these three areas of focus that may be a good fit for your company and help you find a local partner, a key to doing business in Thailand. Government regulators, Thai companies, and Thai buyers put a high premium on doing business with companies that have a local or regional presence and offer on-going support.

For more information contact the U.S. Commercial Service Bangkok at office.bangkok@trade.gov.