Ambitious renewable energy targets are a centrepiece of Thailand’s sustainable development. Implementation of these targets will happen on the ground, in each province and municipality. For this reason, “Provincial energy planning is important for the national energy plan and strategy,” said Krittiya Petsee, Policy and Planning Analyst at the Planning and Strategy Office (PSO) under the Ministry of Energy, during a workshop organized by PSO and GIZ.

On 8 May, 13 Provincial Energy Offices came together to learn about and exchange information on the activities undertaken by PSO and GIZ over the past 3 years in three role-model provinces. Renewable Energy (RE) Scenarios for Rayong, Phuket and Nan have been set up to showcase how provinces can reach high shares of renewable energy in their energy mix to mitigate climate change, provide a cleaner environment and increase local value creation.

The RE scenarios helped us to implement RE projects in our provinces as they serve as a solid basis to acquire budget and convince local governors,” noted Phuket’s Provincial Energy Officer Wirot Damkong. After the development of the RE Scenarios, GIZ worked with Chiang Mai University in supporting the provinces to set their RE targets and define concrete actions to reach these.

With RE targets of 100 per cent for Nan and 40 per cent for Phuket and Rayong, the implementation of RE technologies is a spectacular opportunity to contribute to Thailand’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to fighting climate change.

PSO and GIZ will build upon these achievements and roll out the approach and methodology, which were received very well by the participating provincial representatives, to additional Thai provinces.