SI-006-05

Situation

The energy system is increasingly becoming a complex, multi-node network driven by renewable generation, distributed energy resources, storage systems, and electrified demand such as EVs. This transformation generates vast amounts of real-time data across the system, from generation and transmission to consumption and storage.

However, most existing energy systems are not designed to fully utilize this data. Information remains fragmented across utilities, grid operators, and end-users, with limited integration and real-time coordination. As a result, system inefficiencies, suboptimal dispatch, and limited visibility persist.

Traditional grid management models rely on centralized control and static planning, which are inadequate for managing variable renewable generation and dynamic demand patterns. The lack of digital infrastructure and advanced analytics limits the ability to optimize energy flows and respond to real-time conditions.

At the same time, new market participants—such as prosumers, distributed generators, and energy service providers—are entering the system. This increases the need for platforms that can coordinate multiple actors, enable transactions, and manage system-wide operations.

Globally, leading economies are investing heavily in digital energy platforms, AI-driven grid management, and data infrastructure, recognizing that control over the “digital layer” will define future energy system leadership.

Shift

Energy systems are shifting from hardware-centric infrastructure to software-defined, platform-based ecosystems. Control is moving from physical assets alone to the digital layer that manages and optimizes those assets.

The role of data is shifting from passive monitoring to active system optimization. Real-time data, combined with AI and advanced analytics, enables predictive control, demand forecasting, and automated decision-making across the energy system.

There is a transition from centralized command-and-control models to decentralized, platform-enabled coordination. Multiple actors—prosumers, EVs, storage systems—can now interact dynamically through digital platforms.

Energy markets are also shifting toward real-time, dynamic pricing and peer-to-peer transactions, enabled by digital platforms. This transforms the energy system into an interactive and flexible marketplace.

Additionally, the grid is evolving into a “platform infrastructure” that integrates energy, mobility, and digital services, blurring traditional sector boundaries.

Advantage

Thailand has a growing digital infrastructure base, including telecommunications networks, cloud services, and increasing adoption of digital technologies across industries. This provides a foundation for developing digital energy platforms.

The country’s relatively centralized energy system allows for coordinated deployment of digital solutions at scale, compared to more fragmented systems. This creates an opportunity for faster integration and standardization.

Thailand’s ongoing investments in smart grid technologies and advanced metering infrastructure can serve as entry points for building integrated data platforms and AI-driven control systems.

In addition, the expanding EV ecosystem and distributed energy resources create natural use cases for digital platform deployment, accelerating adoption and innovation.

Thailand’s strong service sector and growing digital economy also provide a base for developing software, platform services, and energy-related digital solutions.

Additional Structural Advantage

Thailand can position itself as a regional hub for energy digital platforms and system integration services within ASEAN, leveraging its infrastructure and geographic position.

The country has the opportunity to integrate energy digital platforms with broader national digital initiatives, such as smart cities, digital economy strategies, and AI development programs.

By developing interoperable and scalable platforms, Thailand can enable cross-sector integration between energy, transportation, and urban systems, creating new value streams.

Thailand can also adopt a “leapfrog” strategy by directly implementing advanced digital energy systems without being constrained by legacy infrastructure, allowing for faster innovation cycles.

If aligned with industrial and energy policy, digital platforms can become a key source of competitive advantage and long-term economic value.

Implication

Thailand must recognize the digital energy platform as the control layer of the future energy system and prioritize its development as a national strategic asset. Without control over the digital layer, physical infrastructure investments in generation, storage, and grid will not achieve optimal value.

A unified national energy data platform should be developed to integrate data across generation, grid, storage, and consumption. This platform must enable real-time monitoring, forecasting, and system-wide optimization.

Investment in AI capabilities is essential. Thailand must develop expertise in energy analytics, predictive modeling, and automated control systems to manage increasing system complexity.

Regulatory frameworks must evolve to support digital platforms, including data sharing, cybersecurity, interoperability standards, and market mechanisms such as real-time pricing and peer-to-peer trading.

Thailand should also promote the development of domestic digital capabilities, including software development, platform services, and AI talent, to reduce reliance on external technology providers.

Timing is critical, as early movers in digital energy platforms will define system standards and capture disproportionate value. Thailand must act proactively to secure its position in this emerging layer.

Action Layer