ส.อ.ท. ชู “Thailand Pragmatic Energy Transition” เร่งเปลี่ยนผ่านพลังงานสะอาด ลดต้นทุน เพิ่มขีดความสามารถแข่งขันอุตสาหกรรมไทยFTI Promotes 'Thailand Pragmatic Energy Transition' to Accelerate Clean Energy Transition, Reduce Costs, and Enhance the Competitiveness of Thai Industry

Bangkok / October 22, 2026 – The Energy Institute for Industry under The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) organized the Energy Symposium 2026 under the theme 'Thailand Pragmatic Energy Transition: New Era Energy to Elevate Thai Industry for Sustainable Global Competition' at the Vibhavadi Ballroom, Level L, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok. The event serves as a platform for exchanging perspectives on the country's energy direction, applicable policies and technologies, as well as promoting cooperation between the public and private sectors to reduce costs, enhance energy efficiency, and strengthen the competitiveness of Thai industries.

Mrs. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, Chairman of The Federation of Thai Industries, stated that the Thai industrial sector is currently facing numerous challenges including economic volatility, geopolitical situations, and energy price uncertainties, all of which impact production costs and competitiveness. At the same time, industries must accelerate their adaptation to using clean energy to meet the country's Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions target by the year 2050.

Therefore, the critical task for Thailand is not merely to transition to clean energy as quickly as possible, but to ensure that this transition is appropriate to the country's context, considering energy security, competitive costs for businesses, and environmental impact mitigation concurrently. This will allow for a feasible transition without overburdening operators, particularly SMEs, which play a crucial role in Thailand's industrial supply chain.

The concept of 'Thailand Pragmatic Energy Transition' thus aims to drive a tangible energy transition in line with the country's readiness and potential, while promoting the industrial sector's comprehensive access to clean energy, technologies, and innovations to improve energy usage efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain long-term competitiveness. This aligns with the vision of 'The New Chapter of Thai Industry' and the 5I strategies of FTI, particularly focusing on Industrial Infrastructure Reform and Inclusive Sustainability.

The drive towards energy transition requires cooperation from all sectors, from developing the national energy plan, smart grid systems, and energy storage systems to promoting clean energy and improving related regulations to enhance the resilience of the energy system, reduce barriers to accessing alternative energy, and support industries in adapting effectively.

Mr. Aeknat Prompan, Minister of Energy, delivered a keynote speech at the event focusing on the practical energy transition to elevate Thai industries. He indicated that the Power Development Plan of Thailand (PDP2026) aims to set the direction for a transition to a higher proportion of clean energy usage to meet the energy demands from all sectors and reduce dependence on energy imports.

Meanwhile, for fossil fuel usage, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology will be adopted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with established targets.

Amid the volatility of energy prices, the government has implemented various measures alongside enhancing domestic energy capabilities to reduce dependence on imports, such as promoting the use of biofuels E20 and B20, leveraging the potential of Thai agriculture including sugarcane, cassava, and palm oil to produce energy and add value to the industrial sector.

Additionally, the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) in the transportation sector is increasing in tandem with targets, supporting both energy and domestic industry development in the long term.

Important operational guidelines to upgrade Thailand's energy system include facilitating investments in the digital industry, particularly in Data Centers, establishing criteria for new Data Centers to begin using 30% clean energy, and setting a target of 28,000 megawatts (MW) of solar energy capacity within the first 10 years of the PDP 2026 plan, alongside promoting Direct Power Purchase Agreements (Direct PPA) to allow for more widespread access to clean energy.

At the same time, the government also emphasizes the adoption of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology as an additional option to support low-carbon energy production and enhance long-term energy security. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability of the electrical system by developing grid modernization, investing in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and allowing third-party access to transmission systems.

Furthermore, in the future, there will be a promotion of more diverse energy procurement and trading models, such as Independent Power Supply, Direct PPA, and Private PPA, to increase access to clean energy for industrial estates and the industrial sector, supporting the tangible and sustainable energy transition of the country in the long term.

The event also featured a platform for exchanging views on the direction of Thai energy, industry adaptation to trade rules and environmental regulations, as well as technologies and innovations that enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and bolster competitive advantages.

There were also exhibitions from government agencies, state enterprises, and the private sector presenting energy and environmental solutions to provide participants with opportunities to learn, share experiences, and promote knowledge applicable to the industrial sector.

The Energy Symposium 2026 thus serves as a key mechanism to connect national energy policies with the needs of the industrial sector, pushing for a tangible energy transition in Thailand with a focus on energy security, appropriate and competitive costs, environmental impact reduction, and creating opportunities for operators of all sizes to adapt and grow sustainably, while elevating Thai industries to compete on the global stage.
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Published by Corporate Communications Office of The Federation of Thai Industries (Phone: 0-2345-1051)