Moves to address renewables supply flaw

Battery energy storage systems and grid modernisation are needed, writes Yuthana Praiwan

- Yuthana Praiwan

While greater renewable energy usage has become a crucial part of efforts to curb carbon dioxide emissions produced by fossil-derived fuels, experts warn that cleaner energy may not always ensure a reliable supply.

State energy officials and academics want the government to learn from Spain and Portugal, which encountered significant power outages in some areas in late April this year, triggering a debate about solar and wind power disruptions.

Renewable energy development was actively promoted in Spain, including a plan to supply more clean power to resource-hungry data centres.

As Thailand attempts to become increasingly reliant on renewables, some discussions have started about the future stability of the country's power supply.

Thailand needs to prepare measures and technological solutions to brace for unexpected power outages, according to officials.

CLEAN POWER CONS

The main problem with dependence on renewable energy sources is they cannot ensure a steady supply of electricity, which can lead to blackouts, as happened in areas of the Iberian peninsular in April.

Solar and wind are intermittent sources of power, meaning the amount of energy generated by these sources relies on weather conditions and the season.