SI-004-03
Thermal System Misalignment 

Situation

Thailand’s power grid remains heavily reliant on Thermal Power Plants, particularly natural gas, acting as the nation’s "Base Load." * The Challenge: As Renewable Energy capacity continues to rise, a "Role Mismatch" within the system has emerged.

• The Reality: Thermal power is still being utilized as the primary source (Base Load), while Renewables are restricted to a supplementary role.

Shift

From: Thermal as the "System Base Load." To: Thermal as a "Flexible Backup System."

New Defined Roles:

• Intermittency Support: Providing power during periods of low renewable output.

• Operational Agility: Enabling fast-ramping capabilities (scaling up/down quickly).

• Targeted Dispatch: Operating primarily during Peak Demand or Emergencies.

Advantage

Thailand possesses existing assets that can be "Immediately Repurposed":

• Abundant Gas Fleet: Many existing gas plants can be upgraded for High Flexibility.

• Retrofitting Potential: Legacy plants can be converted to utilize Biomass, Waste-to-Energy, or Hybrid configurations.

• Ready Infrastructure: Leveraging existing Grid connections and strategic locations.

• Opportunity: The ability to "Reposition" current assets rather than building entirely new infrastructure.

Implication

Failure to reposition the Thermal sector will result in:

• System Stagnation: Renewables will be unable to transition into the primary energy source.

• Inefficient Overcapacity: Maintaining a rigid system leads to unnecessary operational costs.

• Rising Energy Costs: Inefficiencies will drive up electricity prices.

• Result: The energy transition remains "Locked into the Legacy System."

Strategic Direction

Thailand must execute a Thermal System Repositioning strategy through:

1. Role Transition: Shift Thermal assets from Base Load to System Backup.

2. Asset Retrofitting: Convert existing plants to Biomass, Waste, or Hybrid systems.

3. Flexibility Enhancement: Develop Fast-Ramping generation capabilities.

4. Decarbonization: Gradually phase out Fossil Fuel reliance in the long term.

Ultimate Objective: To transform Thermal power into the "Supportive Infrastructure for the New Energy Era," rather than its primary driver.

Action Layer