Charting Thailand's clean energy path

POLICY FOCUS

- AREEPORN ASAWINPONGPHAN CHAKORN LOETNITHAT ANNOP JAEWISORN

Clean energy is no longer our future — it's already here. Thailand must act fast or risk falling further behind.

Solar and wind power energy are booming across the world, yet Thailand continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels. The country is falling behind in the clean energy race but it's not too late to catch up.

The climate crisis is deepening. International pressure to cut emissions is growing. Across the world, countries are accelerating their transition to clean energy.

This is no longer just about saving the planet. Clean energy has now become a vital strategy for strengthening economic competitiveness.

In 2024, the world used over 1,050 terawatt-hours more electricity than the year before, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, where up to 76% of the increased demand comes from clean energy, mostly solar and wind power.

The trend is clear. Clean energy is fast becoming the main engine of the global energy system and economic growth. Countries that catch on quickly will attract new investments, especially from industries that need more clean energy to grow. Those which fail to make the transition will miss out.

To catch up, it pays to be aware of three key global trends that are shaping global energy policies, production, and investment in clean energy.

Firstly, policy uncertainty in major economies.

Leadership changes in powerful nations have far-reaching impacts on international climate efforts.

For example, the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in 2025 and continued support for fossil fuels under the Trump administration have led to increased hesitation among developed countries in providing climate-related assistance to others.

Secondly, the rise of data centres.