Energy

With roughly 7.1trn cu feet of natural gas at the end of 2017, down from 10.6trn cu feet in 2007, according to the 2018 “BP Statistical Review of World Energy”, Thailand’s reserves of this critical resource are depleting. As a result, the country is working to diversify its power mix with both conventional and alternative sources. The transition is going smoothly, and new technologies are being brought on-line far faster than expected. Scientific advances, supportive and flexible policies, overcapacity in solar manufacturing and gains in efficiency have made the environment for energy diversification and investment exceedingly attractive. The shift to alternative energy sources is happening so quickly that Thailand is becoming a recognised leader in the region, if not globally. This chapter contains interviews with Siri Jirapongphan, Minister of Energy; Piyasvasti Amranand, Former Chairman, PTT; Bundit Sapianchai, President and CEO, BCPG; and Preeyanart Soontornwata, President, B.Grimm Power.