Guideline for Strategic Integration of Electrical Power to Enhance Energy Security in Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this research is to study the linkage of the 20-year National Strategy, the strategy of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Interior with the important electrical power policies of the country. It aims to analyze the problems, barriers and gaps due to unrelated and inconsistent electrical power policy leading to suggestions for enhancing energy security in Thailand.

               This is a qualitative research by collecting primary data from in-depth interviews with experts in the energy sector. In addition, secondary data is collected from literature studies on principles, concepts, and practices in enhancing energy security and integrated public administration. After that, the qualitative content analysis is conducted to summarize and propose ideas for enhancing energy security in Thailand.

               This study found that the plans relating to electrical power are the Power Development Plan (PDP2018), the Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP2015) and the Energy Efficiency Plan (EEP2015). All plans are linked to the 20-year National Strategy on Strategy 2 and Strategy 5 that focus on the infrastructure development, generation and use of electricity from renewable energy, and energy conservation. However, in practice there are still problems and barriers in operations that affect the continuation of the policy and security of electrical energy.

               The main problems are the discrepancy of demand forecasting, the unplanned power supply capacity procurement, the over promotion of electricity generation from alternative energy, and the excessive dependence on natural gas for electricity generation resulting in discontinuity in the implementation of electrical energy policies and eventually affecting the electrical energy security.

               The recommendations include enhancing people’s knowledge and understanding of issues in order to build the public acceptance of large power plant construction according to the PDP2018 plan. For long-term problem solving, the focus should be on the attempts to bring changes to consumer behavior using demand response measures.