Electricity in Thailand in 2025
In 2025, Thailand's electricity consumption is predominantly derived from fossil energy sources, with more than two-thirds, or approximately 70%, of the electricity generated from fossil fuels. Gas contributes over half of the total with 55%, and coal accounts for 15%. Net imports also play a notable role, constituting roughly 16% of the electricity supply. Despite the challenges, low-carbon or clean energy sources currently make up around 14% of Thailand's electricity, with biofuels contributing nearly 4.5%, solar bringing about 4.5%, hydropower closely following at 3.4%, and wind power supplying 1.6%. These figures underscore the potential for growth in low-carbon energy, and the clear environmental need to diversify and escalate renewable energy generation to curb the detrimental impacts of fossil fuel reliance.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Thailand?
Examining the trends in electricity consumption in Thailand reveals a recent decline. In 2025, the average electricity consumption per person is 3134 kWh, showing a decrease of 97 kWh per person compared to its historic peak in 2024. In stark contrast, low-carbon electricity generation is on a gradual rise, with the current per capita generation reaching 435 kWh, exceeding the previous record set in 2018. This increase by 15 kWh over the past record indicates progress in clean electricity generation. Nonetheless, the overall decrease in consumption raises concerns about energy accessibility and demand, particularly as increased electricity usage will be vital in supporting future electrification and technological advancement, including AI deployment.
Suggestions
To foster the expansion of low-carbon electricity, Thailand could draw lessons from regions that have successfully mobilized clean energy resources. Countries like France and Slovakia dominate in nuclear energy, generating over 65% of their electricity from nuclear power. Meanwhile, Denmark produces 60% of its electricity from wind power, demonstrating the potential of wind energy in shallow coastal nations. Comparatively similar regions to Thailand, such as North Macedonia and Lebanon, have made significant strides in solar energy, generating about 49% and 31% of their electricity from solar, respectively. By adopting comprehensive policies and frameworks that encourage investments in solar and nuclear energy, Thailand can significantly boost its clean electricity output, ensuring a sustainable energy future and mitigating climate change impacts.
History
Focusing on the historical context of low-carbon electricity in Thailand, significant events highlight the fluctuating progress in various sectors. Hydropower experienced notable boosts in 1986, 1989, 1995, 2000, 2006, 2011, 2018, 2022, contributing moderately to the electricity mix. Yet, hydropower's growth has faced intermittent setbacks, such as in 1998, 1999, 2013, 2015, and 2020. Biofuels saw a major boost in 2013 and 2016; however, its output declined notably in 2017 and 2019. Wind energy had a significant gain in 2019 while solar energy is expanding with a substantial increase of 4.5 TWh by 2025. These trends indicate a dynamic landscape where Thailand's push for clean electricity is ongoing but faces challenges. The stability and advancement of sustainable energy generation are crucial, emphasizing the need for robust policies to support consistent growth in solar and nuclear infrastructure moving forward.
