Current status and potential of hydro energy in Thailand: a review

Hydropower is currently the world׳s largest renewable energy source and plays an important role in the worldwide generation of electricity. Thailand has plenty of water resources that can be used to generate electricity. However, the appropriate development of hydropower coupled with proper utilization of available water resources in Thailand should be undertaken in the future. By the end of September 2013, the on-grid capacity of hydropower in Thailand reached 3497 MW, or about 11% of the whole productivity system. The existing potential of hydropower in Thailand was at 15,155 MW or about 4 times the capacity at the time. In addition, the 25 river areas of the country could allow for small-scale hydropower plants with a total potential of no less than 1500 MW. In 2021, the Ministry of Energy anticipates that Thailand will be able to increase electricity generation from alternative and renewable energy sources to 9201 MW, with 1608 MW being generated by hydropower. The present study has been carried out to review the water resources, current situation, and potential of hydropower in Thailand. Future development plans for promoting hydropower have also been presented.