Points of Consideration on Climate Adaptation of Solar Power Plants in Thailand: How Climate Change Affects Site Selection, Construction and Operation

Kampanart Silva, Pidpong Janta and Nuwong Chollacoop
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Kampanart Silva: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Research Team, National Energy Technology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Pidpong Janta: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Research Team, National Energy Technology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Nuwong Chollacoop: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Research Team, National Energy Technology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand

Energies, 2021, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-22

Abstract: Solar energy is planned to undergo large-scale deployment along with Thailand’s transformation to a carbon neutral society in 2050. In the course of energy transformation planning, the issue of energy infrastructure adaptation to climate change has often been left out. This study aims to identify climate-related risks and countermeasures taken in solar power plants in Thailand using thematic analysis with self-administered observations and structured interviews in order to propose points of consideration during long-term energy planning to ensure climate adaptation capacity. The analysis pointed out that floods and storms were perceived as major climate events affecting solar power plants in Thailand, followed by lightning and fires. Several countermeasures were taken, including hard countermeasures that require extensive investment. Following policy recommendations were derived from the climate-proofing investment scenario study. Policy support in terms of enabling regulations or financial incentives is needed for implementation of climate-proofing countermeasures. Public and private sectors need to secure sufficient budget for fast recovery after severe climate incidents. Measures must be taken to facilitate selection of climate-resilient sites by improving conditions of power purchase agreement or assisting winning bidders in enhancing climate adaptability of their sites. These issues should be considered during Thailand’s long-term energy planning.

Keywords: climate adaptation; adaptive capacity; solar power plants; thematic analysis; long-term energy scenarios (LTES); site selection; power purchase agreement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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