This article will introduce you to clean energy from various perspectives, helping to answer your questions and clarify why major companies worldwide are increasingly focusing on and investing in clean energy. Discover what makes it so appealing—reading this article will ensure you don’t miss out!
What knowledge will you gain from reading this article?
- Understanding Clean Energy: Its Importance and Types
- Global and Thailand Clean Energy Trends
- What are the differences between clean energy and fossil energy?
- The benefits of using clean energy, including its advantages and limitations.
What is clean energy, and why is it important or considered an interesting solution amid the climate change crisis?
What is clean energy?
“Clean energy” refers to energy that is renewable, does not run out, and produces little to no pollution or environmental impact compared to energy from fossil fuels. In general, clean energy has four main characteristics:
- Low carbon emissions (Low Carbon), or nearly zero emissions.
- Comes from renewable sources, such as sunlight, wind, water, or biomass.
- Does not produce hazardous waste and has minimal impact on the environment, including air, water, and soil.
- Safe and sustainable Has very low risk and poses no harm to humans, animals, or the environment.
Global trends in clean energy
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that in 2024, renewable energy accounts for over 30% of global electricity generation and is expected to rise to 50% by 2030, marking the fastest energy transition in world history. Developed countries, such as the United States,
the European Union, China, and Japan, have announced “Net Zero Emissions” policies for 2050–2060, with massive investments in solar and wind energy, hydrogen energy infrastructure, and energy storage systems (ESS) that enable clean energy to provide continuous power even when there is no sunlight or wind.
The situation and policies of clean energy in Thailand
Thailand has announced the goal of “Carbon Neutrality by 2050” and “Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2065,” with the main policy being to increase the share of renewable energy to at least 50% of the total electricity system.
Key government projects include:
- The Solar Rooftop Program encourages citizens to install solar panels on their rooftops to reduce electricity costs.
- The Community Power Plant for Local Economy project encourages farmers to use agricultural waste to produce biomass energy.
- The development of a smart grid to support distributed electricity generation from renewable energy sources.
In addition, there is a push for electric vehicles (EVs) and low-carbon transportation systems, which will effectively reduce the demand for oil and gas in the transport sector.
Key types of clean energy
1.Solar energy
Solar energy is one of the most popular forms of clean energy worldwide. Conversion of sunlight into electricity is done through photovoltaic (PV) cells, which have been continuously improved for higher efficiency and lower costs.
In Thailand, the country has high solar energy potential, especially in the Northeast and Central regions, with an average solar radiation of over 5 kWh per square meter per day. This makes it suitable for installations at the household level, in factories, and in large-scale solar farms.
2.Wind energy
Wind energy is used to generate electricity through wind turbines, which rotate with the wind and convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. Thailand has developed wind farm projects in several provinces, such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, and Phetchabun, with a total capacity of several hundred megawatts. Producing wind energy helps reduce dependence on imported fuels and significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
3.Hydropower
Hydropower is a long-used form of clean energy, especially in large-scale dams such as Sirikit Dam and Bhumibol Dam in Thailand. Its advantage is the ability to generate electricity continuously and reliably. However, it is important to consider the impacts on surrounding ecosystems and communities, such as changes in water flow and the displacement of aquatic species.
4.Biomass Energy
Biomass energy is produced from agricultural waste materials, such as rice husks, straw, or wood residues. These materials are either burned to generate electricity and heat or processed into biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. This approach helps the agricultural sector generate additional income from waste and reduces the problem of open burning.
5.Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy uses heat from beneath the Earth's surface to generate electricity and thermal energy. It is suitable for countries with volcanoes or high underground energy potential, such as Japan, Iceland, and Indonesia. In Thailand, although the potential is still limited, studies have begun in certain areas in the northern and western regions.
The benefits of clean energy for the economy and the environment
1.Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Clean energy helps reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, a major cause of global warming. Every megawatt of electricity generated from clean energy instead of coal can reduce carbon emissions by up to 1,000 tons per year.
2. Reduces air pollution and improves public health
Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and PM2.5 particles. Switching to clean energy directly reduces these pollutants, improving air quality and lowering public health costs.
3.Creates new jobs in the green industry
The clean energy sector creates opportunities for “green jobs,” such as energy engineers, environmental analysts, ESG specialists, and carbon credit consultants—future-oriented careers that are in demand worldwide.
4. Reduces dependence on energy imports
Thailand imports oil and natural gas worth over 1 trillion baht per year. Increasing the share of clean energy helps enhance energy security and reduces risks from volatile global energy prices.
Disadvantages and limitations of clean energy
1.High initial investment cost
Although the cost per unit of electricity from clean energy has decreased significantly over the past 10 years, the initial investment is still high compared to fossil fuel power plants in some cases, such as:
- Installing solar panels or wind turbines requires a significant upfront investment.
- Energy storage systems (Battery Storage Systems) are expensive and require maintenance.
Impacts:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or communities may not have easy access to the technology.
- They may need to rely on loans or government support measures, such as tax incentives or green financing.
2.Large land use requirement
Some types of clean energy require large areas for installation, such as:
- Solar farms require a large area to achieve high power output.
- Wind farms require spacing between each turbine.
- Large hydropower dams affect communities and ecosystems.
Impacts:
- There may be “land-use competition” between agriculture, residential areas, and energy production.
- In some cases, this may result in the relocation of communities or changes to local ecosystems.
3.Energy storage limitations
To ensure continuous use of clean energy, energy storage systems such as lithium-ion batteries or hydrogen storage technologies are necessary.
However, these technologies currently have the following limitations:
- Very high cost
- Limited lifespan
- Battery production itself emits carbon and requires rare earth materials, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
Impacts:
- The overall cost of clean energy systems increases.
- Battery waste management has become a new environmental concern.
Expert recommendations on pathways to a sustainable clean energy transition
From the perspective of energy and environmental experts, the transition to clean energy is not just a matter of technology but a “systemic transition” that requires integration across multiple sectors, including the government, private sector, and the public.
1.Create economic incentives
Promote taxincentives and subsidies to support investment in clean energy, such as offering tax benefits to companies that install solar systems or providing low-interest loans for renewable energy projects.
2. Develop smart energy infrastructure systems
To accommodate energy generated from multiple sources simultaneously, it is necessary to invest in smart grids and energy storage systems to ensure stable and reliable electricity supply.
3. Promote public awareness and participation
Clean energy is not only the responsibility of the government or the private sector; everyone can participate. This includes installing solar panels on rooftops, using energy-efficient appliances, and supporting environmentally friendly products.
4. Develop the domestic clean energy industry
Thailand has high potential in manufacturing energy equipment, such as solar panels, batteries, and energy storage systems. With support in technology and funding, it can become a hub for clean energy production in the ASEAN region.
5. Use ESG and SDGs frameworks as tools for energy management
Businesses should adopt the ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) principles and the United Nations’ SDGs as guidelines for setting energy policies, ensuring operations align with the green economy and sustainable development.
Clean energy is not just a trend in the modern world—it is a “necessity” that will shape the future of humanity in this century. The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy requires time, collaboration, and long-term vision. For Thailand, investing in clean energy not only helps reduce environmental impacts but also presents opportunities to create a new economy, enhance competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for people at all levels.
“Clean energy is not just an alternative source of power; it is the energy of the future. We all must work together to drive it forward today for a better world tomorrow.”
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