Chariya Senpong | Dawan Wiwattanadate
Potential of renewable energy resources for electricity generation as well as energy supply and demand in Nakhon Si Thammarat province were studied with an objective to develop a sustainable provincial power development plan, and/or to search for renewable energy capacity to replace 2 x 800 MW coal fired power plants have been planned to be installed in the province under PDP2010. The study shows significant potential of renewable energy in the province; especially wind energy, solid waste and biomass. Total capacity of the renewable energy for electricity generation reported in other studies was as high as 3,181.84 MW; however, the installed renewable energy power plants in the province as of 2011 just stand at 42 MW due to various limitations. Meanwhile, the provincial electricity demand forecast is continued increasing up to 647 MW by the end of 2030. More Renewable energy has been to fulfill energy demand in the province, integration of renewable energy policy, database, and technology innovation are keys success factors for sustainable provincial energy planning. A renewable information center working together with government, business, and the public would be needed to initiate developing the plan with a public organization proposing the provincial committee under public participation and acceptance.