News and Updates

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is continuing with its ERC sandbox by promoting a new pilot renewable power trade project between Gulf Energy Development Plc and Pandora, a Danish jewellery company.

The project focuses on a "virtual power purchase agreement", also known as a VPPA, with Gulf and Pandora jointly pioneering the VPPA.

The two companies recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a one-year project to study, develop and implement this renewable power trade.

*This excerpt is from a news item collated by SIPET as part of its mission to serve as a one-stop platform for information and knowledge exchange about the energy transition in Southeast Asia. For the full news item, click on the link next to 'Further Information' . 

**Photo credit: Bangkok Post

The Central Administrative Court is being asked to examine a 3.7-billion-baht lawsuit filed by the listed solar farm developer SPCG Plc against the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) for allegedly unfairly discontinuing the company's solar farm project in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

The PEA was asked by the EEC Office in 2019 to plan for a supply of clean energy in the three provinces covered by the EEC, which led to cooperation between the state utility, its wholly owned subsidiary PEA Encom International and SET-listed SPCG.

They jointly set up Set Energy Co, with SPCG as the largest shareholder, to develop and operate the solar farm with a power generation capacity of at least 500 megawatts.

*This excerpt is from a news item collated by SIPET as part of its mission to serve as a one-stop platform for information and knowledge exchange about the energy transition in Southeast Asia. For the full news item, click on the link next to 'Further Information' . 

**Photo credit: Bangkok Post

Thailand is set to implement a carbon tax this month as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental sustainability.

Speaking after the signing of a cooperation agreement to promote awareness of the carbon tax and sustainable energy consumption with PTT Plc and Bangchak Corporation Plc on Monday, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said the ministerial regulation on carbon tax, which was approved by the cabinet two weeks ago, is currently under review by the Council of State.

*This excerpt is from a news item collated by SIPET as part of its mission to serve as a one-stop platform for information and knowledge exchange about the energy transition in Southeast Asia. For the full news item, click on the link next to 'Further Information' . 

**Photo credit: Bangkok Post

The Thai Cabinet relaxed regulations on solar rooftop installations with the introduction of the Ministerial Regulation Re: Designation of Type, Kind, and Size of Factories (No. 3), B.E. 2567 (2024) (the “Ministerial Regulation”). The Ministerial Regulation does away with the need to obtain a factory license from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) or Department of Industrial Works (DIW) for all solar rooftop power generation installations located outside of industrial estates, irrespective of their production capacity. This relaxation came into effect on December 28, 2024.

Previously, the installation of such solar rooftops with a generating capacity exceeding 1,000 kW required a factory license. This move specifically targets solar power generation installations located on rooftops, terraces, or any part of buildings that can be occupied or used. It is noted that solar ground mounted and floating projects are not affected by the Ministerial Regulation.

*This excerpt is from a news item collated by SIPET as part of its mission to serve as a one-stop platform for information and knowledge exchange about the energy transition in Southeast Asia. For the full news item, click on the link next to 'Further Information' . 

**Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Thailand has postponed retiring key units of its Mae Moh coal power plant, extending operations to 2048 despite pledges on clean air and emissions. Communities already suffering respiratory illnesses fear worsening health impacts, while activists warn the move undermines Thailand’s climate goals. Mae Moh, the nation’s top CO₂ emitter, symbolizes the tension between energy security, economic reliance, and public health. The plant continues to emit mercury, SO₂, and PM2.5 at dangerous levels, with residents doubting EGAT’s 2050 closure pledge. Critics argue the delay locks Thailand deeper into coal just as its renewable energy transition lags behind regional peers.

GAC Energy Technology (Thailand) and PowerVault have partnered to advance green energy in Southeast Asia. Their collaboration focuses on developing integrated energy solutions, including solar power, battery storage, and EV charging infrastructure. The alliance aims to support the region’s clean energy transition and address sustainability challenges through innovative technologies.

Thailand plans to offer tax incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicle manufacturing, with the changes to take effect from 2026 if they are approved, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said on Monday.

Under the plans, tax collection would be based on the travel range per battery charge for a vehicle, with lower taxes for a longer travel range, Paopoom said, adding the proposal would be sent to cabinet by April.

*This excerpt is from a news item collated by SIPET as part of its mission to serve as a one-stop platform for information and knowledge exchange about the energy transition in Southeast Asia. For the full news item, click on the link next to 'Further Information' . 

**Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Thailand is making a significant shift towards a green economy, with individuals and households playing an active role in the transition by installing rooftop solar panels. According to research by Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), the adoption of solar rooftops is expected to continue growing steadily, driven by their cost-effectiveness and increasing marketing efforts by solar providers. Banks in Thailand are also now offering green financial products, including solar rooftop loan packages, to encourage households to embrace sustainability and reduce energy costs.