Expert Proposes Geothermal for PDP2026

Thansettakij•Economy•6d ago

Reader Briefing

An expert proposes incorporating geothermal energy into the PDP2026 plan to systematically prove Thailand's potential for clean firm power.

•Wisit proposes a National Geothermal Proof Program as part of the PDP2026 policy.
•Thailand previously built a 300 kilowatt geothermal power plant in Fang, Chiang Mai, in 1989.
•The proposal emphasizes the need for clear legal frameworks to attract foreign investment and technology.
•Geothermal energy is highlighted as a stable 'Clean Firm Power' source capable of supporting Data Centers and AI.

•Geothermal energy can produce electricity 24/7 regardless of weather, providing stability for Data Centers and AI industries.
•The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand established a Special Energy Division during oil crises in 1973–1974 and 1979–1980.
•A geothermal power plant with a capacity of 300 kilowatts was constructed in Fang, Chiang Mai, in 1989.
•Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) technology, used by Fervo Energy in the US, allows geothermal development outside volcanic or hot spring areas.
•Thailand has nearly 10,000 cumulative petroleum wells, with some at depths of 3–4 kilometers showing temperatures over 200 degrees Celsius.
•Wisit asserts that existing geological data constitutes 'Proof of Heat' sufficient to start systematic exploration.
•Clear laws, similar to the Petroleum Act 1971, are required to give investors confidence regarding underground resource rights and risk sharing.
•Wisit suggests PDP2026 include a National Geothermal Proof Program to map resources and develop pilot projects using a Stage Gate approach.

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Wisit(วิศิษฎ์)ℹ️

An expert proposing the inclusion of geothermal energy in the PDP2026 plan.

Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand(การไฟฟ้าฝ่ายผลิตแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️

The organization that established the Special Energy Division to study domestic energy potential.

Fervo Energyℹ️

A US company developing Enhanced Geothermal Systems at Project Red and Cape Station.

Fang, Chiang Mai(ฝาง จังหวัดเชียงใหม่)

The location where a 300 kilowatt geothermal power plant was built in 1989.

USA(สหรัฐฯ)ℹ️

The country where Fervo Energy operates its geothermal projects.

Nevada(รัฐเนวาดา)ℹ️

The location of Fervo Energy's Project Red.

Utah(รัฐยูทาห์)ℹ️

The location of Fervo Energy's Cape Station project.

Kamphaeng Saen(กำแพงแสน)ℹ️

An area with onshore well data that should be further studied.

Thawi Watthana(ทวีวัฒนา)ℹ️

An area with onshore well data that should be further studied.

Samut Sakhon(สมุทรสาคร)ℹ️

A province with groundwater wells approximately 1 kilometer deep to be studied.

Petroleum Act 1971(พระราชบัญญัติปิโตรเลียม พ.ศ. 2514)

A law that served as a mechanism for exploration, production rights, and concessions in the petroleum industry.

PDP2026

The power development plan where geothermal energy is proposed to be included as Clean Firm Power.

National Geothermal Proof Program

A proposed program to systematically prove the geothermal potential of Thailand.