Thailand accelerates shift to renewables amid global energy crisis fallout

The global energy crisis has prompted Thailand to accelerate its transition to renewable energy after years of hesitation, joining other countries in adopting wind and solar power to reduce dependency on imported fuels.

Thailand’s reconsideration of its renewable energy strategy came after a surge in natural gas prices last year caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Wattanapong Kurovat, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office. This issue was compounded by a decline in domestic production, Bangkok Post reported.

In an interview in Bangkok, Wattanapong explained that when Thai authorities requested more energy from renewable plants last year, they discovered that the available capacity was already at its limit. Unlike some countries branching into coal mines or gas fields in response to soaring global fuel prices, Thailand recognises the…