Thai Energy Clash: Prime Minister and Energy Minister Disagree on Clean Energy Plans

[snoop1130]

 

Tensions are escalating within Thailand's government as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga face off over the country's clean energy strategy. A disagreement that had been building up for weeks came to a head on November 26th, resulting in the sudden cancellation of a joint press conference after a National Energy Policy Board meeting.

 

During a solo media address, Prime Minister Paetongtarn pushed for the Energy Ministry to speed up plans to acquire 2,000 megawatts of clean energy from private providers through the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (Direct PPA). Energy Minister Pirapan, however, instructed the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to pause clean energy acquisitions, delaying the second phase of this policy.

 

 

Sources say Pirapan has put off several renewable energy projects, including pausing the selection of Energy Regulatory Commission members, a decision that's frustrating the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Prime Minister Paetongtarn, who is a key figure in the Pheu Thai Party, has made it clear her main goal is to boost clean energy use. She stated, "This is our opportunity to make Thailand a leader in affordable, competitive clean energy."

 

Pirapan, who is part of the coalition partner United Thai Nation Party, focused his press release on fossil fuel policies. He emphasized that the contribution rates to the energy conservation fund remain unchanged, with oil and gas companies set to continue paying 0.05 baht per litre sold while gas producers remain exempt, a measure that takes effect on December 1st.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-27

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

Interesting times.

First, she wants to tell the BOT how to manage its money.

Now EGAT.

[John Drake]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

She stated, "This is our opportunity to make Thailand a leader in affordable, competitive clean energy."

 

Will it do any of these things?