Could a sodium-ion battery be a new business opportunity in Thailand?

The Federation of Thai Industries’ Renewable Energy Industry Club sees potential in sodium-ion battery (SIB) production as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. SIBs, made from rock salt, could offer a new business opportunity given Thailand’s abundant rock salt reserves.

Does Thailand need a battery energy storage system?

Thailand may lack the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) necessary to navigate supply and demand challenges. The 2024 PDP draft included 10,000 MW of BESS, but this may see the country struggle to fulfil carbon neutrality and Net Zero commitments over the coming decades.

Why is battery storage a problem in Thailand?

This is partly due to a lack of clarity on how battery storage fits into existing electricity infrastructure. In 2022, the Thai government approved 24 BESS projects, all of which were located alongside solar operations. Their total combined storage capacity was 994 MW.

Will Thailand be a hub for EV manufacturing?

(Bloomberg) — Thailand will offer new incentives to promote the local production of battery cells and the adoption of new-energy buses and trucks as it seeks to cement its position as a hub for EV manufacturing.

What is a battery energy storage system?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential for buildings and renewable power generation facilities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. Renewable sources like solar and wind power are intermittent, and influenced by weather patterns. BESS mitigates this issue by storing electricity for future use.

Could rock salt be a new business opportunity for Thailand?

SIBs, made from rock salt, could offer a new business opportunity given Thailand’s abundant rock salt reserves. Veeradej Tejapaibul, the vice-chairman of the club, suggested that government support for rock salt exploration could attract investment in SIB manufacturing.