CCC/165

March 2010

Copyright © IEA Clean Coal Centre

ISBN 978-92-9029-485-6

Abstract

This report examines the prospects for coal and clean coal technologies in Thailand. The report also covers the current energy situation in Thailand and the structure of the electricity sector. The status of existing coal reserves is examined and asks why the future coal demand is likely to be met by importing coal. A discussion on the generation capacity in Thailand examines the current and future prospects for coal-fired power generation. The role of the government in the coal sector is discussed and the power development plan being implemented to meet increasing energy demand. Environmental issues related to coal are a major issue in Thailand particularly because of earlier problems with SO2 emissions at the Mae Moh power station, although these were solved. In particular, the legacy of the Mae Moh power station SO2 problem and how that was solved with the use of flue gas desulphurisation. There is also an examination of international organisations such as the ADB, APEC, WB, ASEAN, IEA and USAID role in clean coal technologies and how this could be improved. The economy is heavily reliant on natural gas with 70% of the power generating sector using gas. The government recognises the need to diversify the energy sector especially with only 12 years of proven domestic gas reserves remaining. There is around 2 Gt of coal reserves mostly lignite, high in sulphur and located in northern Thailand. It is estimated that currently 1 Gt of those reserves could be used economically. Coal production in 2008 was between 18–19 Mt with an additional 17–18 Mt of imports. In the future it is likely that all new coal-fired power stations will burn imported low sulphur coal with imports projected to rise to 48 Mt by 2021. A challenge facing Thailand is to develop and deploy clean coal technologies. This has begun with the first supercritical coal-fired power station being built and due to be operational by 2011. A key conclusion of this report is that the establishment of a central organisation in the public or private sector is needed. This could act as a focal point to undertake and promote clean coal technology research, education and deployment with domestic and international organisations as well as strengthen the sustainable use of coal in Thailand.