10 December 2020

Thai protests slow transition to renewables

Excess power capacity and complicated market governance are contributing to providers’ unwillingness to further invest in solar and wind

Mass protests against Thailand’s government and monarchy are creating political uncertainty that is likely to last for an extended period—and make the country’s renewable energy targets harder to meet. Protesters have three main aims: the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, reform of the monarchy and revision of the constitution to strengthen democratic participation. None of those will be easily granted, but nor are the protesters likely to give up soon. Thailand aims to double the share of renewables in its power mix to 30pc by 2037. But the political crisis is likely to mean a decline in foreign investment until a new political equilibrium emerges. Thailand faces “stronger

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