Thai PM and Energy Minister clash over clean energy vision
Tensions have erupted in Thailand’s government as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga lock horns over the nation’s clean energy future. A disagreement, which has reportedly been simmering for weeks, boiled over yesterday, November 26, leading to the abrupt cancellation of a joint press conference following a National Energy Policy Board meeting.
While PM Paetongtarn addressed the media solo, Pirapan issued a press release. According to Government House insiders, the PM pressed for the Energy Ministry to fast-track plans to acquire 2,000 megawatts of clean energy from private providers via the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (Direct PPA). In stark contrast, Pirapan ordered the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to hold off on clean energy purchases, effectively stalling the policy’s second phase.
Insiders revealed Pirapan delayed multiple renewable energy initiatives, including suspending the selection process for Energy Regulatory Commission members, a move frustrating the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Paetongtarn, a Pheu Thai stalwart, emphasised during the meeting that her priority was accelerating clean energy adoption.
“This is our opportunity to make Thailand a leader in affordable, competitive clean energy.”
Pirapan, aligned with the coalition partner United Thai Nation Party, focused his press release on fossil fuel policies, highlighting unchanged contribution rates to the energy conservation fund. While oil and gas firms will continue to pay 0.05 baht per litre sold, gas producers remain exempt, a measure effective from December 1, reported The Nation.
In related news, EGAT is pushing forward with the development of 14 new floating solar farm projects as part of its strategic efforts to increase renewable energy production. These projects, with a combined capacity of 2,656 megawatts, are set to be constructed on the reservoirs of seven hydroelectric dams under the latest national power development plan (PDP) for 2024.
EGAT operates nine dams and has outlined plans for 16 floating solar farm projects, totalling a capacity of 2,725 megawatts, according to the PDP.
