SI-004-01
Grid & Storage Constraint

Situation

Thailand’s electrical grid was originally designed as a "Centralized Generation" model, relying on large-scale power plants with controllable output.

• The Challenge: Renewable energy sources, such as Solar and Wind, are inherently "Distributed" and "Intermittent."

• Present Status: The current grid is not yet fully equipped to handle two-way energy flows. Furthermore, the national share of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) remains very low, leading to instability in renewable energy supply.

Shift

From: A traditional grid model — "Large Power Plants → End Users" To: A "Smart Grid" network that supports:

• Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

• Multi-directional energy flows

• Real-time demand-side management

Key Evolution: Elevating Energy Storage from a "Supplementary System" to a "Core Infrastructure Component."

Advantage

Thailand possesses distinct advantages in developing Grid & Storage infrastructure:

• Extensive Coverage: A robust national grid with existing country-wide reach.

• Pumped Hydro Potential: Existing large-scale dams can be retrofitted into Pumped Hydro Storage.

• High Solar Potential: Ideal for integration with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

• Opportunity: The ability to "Upgrade Existing Systems" rather than building entirely from scratch.

Implication

Failure to modernize the Grid and Storage will result in:

• Curtailment: Forced limitations on the amount of renewable energy that can connect to the grid.

• System Instability: Increased risks to the overall reliability of the power system.

• Fossil Fuel Dependency: A continued reliance on fossil fuels as the "baseload," meaning further investment in renewables will not lead to a true structural energy transition.

Strategic Direction

Thailand must prioritize the advancement of:

1. Grid Infrastructure: Develop a National Smart Grid that supports distributed energy and enables real-time control.

2. Energy Storage Systems (ESS): Implement Battery Storage (for short duration) and Pumped Hydro Storage (for long duration).

3. System Integration: Fully integrate Renewables + Storage + Grid into a unified ecosystem capable of balancing supply and demand seamlessly.

Action Layer