Thailand rolls out Power Development Plan (PDP 2015)

BANGKOK, May 17 (TNA) - Thailand’s National Energy Policy Committee chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has approved a new Power Development Plan (PDP 2015), which mainly aims to cut the country’s reliance on natural gas and places greater focus on renewable energy. According to the power development plan from 2015 – 2036, the proportion of natural gas to be used as a resource in producing power would be cut to no more than 40% in 2036 from the current 65%. New sources of power would come from renewable energy, clean coal and nuclear power as well as power purchased directly from neighbouring countries in order to sustain the nation’s power supply. The new long- term plan would aim to develop the power sector over the next 20 years and increase capacity to meet rising demand. The PDP 2015 had been designed to reduce the ecological impact of power generation by targeting to release 37% less carbon monoxide, which had been a major cause of global warming, within 2036 through increased production of renewable power, and full-fledged implementation of energy conservation in 4 key target groups: industry, business, buildings, houses, and public sector. In line with the new power development plan, an appropriate electricity rate would also be determined to effectively reflect actual cost, production/transmission/sales systems, and provide least impact on people’s costs of living. (TNA)