Analyzing PDP2026 Risks: SMR, Batteries, and CCS

Thansettakij•Economy•6d ago

Reader Briefing

Academic Praipol Kumsap warns of technological and cost uncertainties regarding SMRs, batteries, and CCS in the draft PDP2026 power plan.

•Praipol Kumsap analyzed the draft Power Development Plan 2026 (PDP2026) focusing on new electricity demands like EVs and Data Centers.
•The draft PDP2026 includes Small Modular Reactors (SMR) exceeding 9,000 megawatts across all options.
•Technological uncertainty and high costs are identified as risks for SMR, batteries, and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
•The plan aims for a shift toward clean energy, potentially reaching 70% to achieve Net Zero.

•The draft PDP2026 considers new electricity demands from Electric Vehicles (EV), Data Centers, and high-speed trains.
•Praipol Kumsap notes that the draft PDP2026 includes SMRs totaling over 9,000 megawatts, which would require approximately 30 plants if each produces 300 megawatts.
•Praipol Kumsap expresses uncertainty regarding SMR readiness over the next 10 years due to laws, regulation, costs, and public acceptance.
•The plan includes batteries totaling more than 10,000 megawatts.
•Praipol Kumsap states that Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) cannot yet be operated commercially because costs remain high.
•Praipol Kumsap suggests that the choices of technology in the four PDP2026 options will impact electricity rates.
•Praipol Kumsap views the overall plan as appropriate for moving toward clean energy and Net Zero.
•Praipol Kumsap recommends considering Demand Response and Time of Use (TOU) rates to manage peak electricity usage and incentivize EV charging.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Praipol Kumsap(พรายพล คุ้มทรัพย์)

An independent energy scholar and former Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Thammasat University.

Thammasat University(มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์)ℹ️

The institution where Praipol Kumsap previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Economics.

Thanakihat(ฐานเศรษฐกิจ)

The media outlet to which Praipol Kumsap provided his analysis.

Power Development Plan 2026 (PDP2026)(แผนพัฒนากำลังผลิตไฟฟ้าของประเทศ (PDP2026))

The national power development plan draft being analyzed for its inclusion of SMR, batteries, and clean energy targets.