The above table shows 5000MW of PV & CST (Solar Thermal) in the pipeline to be implemented by Utillities as of the end of 2008. President Elect Obama wants to double this the 5000MW figure during his Presidency. Solar Power to People!!! Plus add, more wind power and geo-thermal power and implement the Universal Smart Grid so that clean renewable electric power can reach everywhere in USA. How about Thailand's Gov. Solar Plan? Well, Thailand has about 25MW PV of which 70% is not working, the 70% represents 200, 000 "Solar Home Systems."What is Thailands Gov. PV Solar Objective by 2012? 35MW Total. Ambitious goal, no?How many applications for small & big PV Solar plants have been submitted to the PEA?Answer: 900. How many have been implemented? Answer: 2 small ones.How about this: North Thailand has 100 areas with good potential for Geo-Thermal (steam power) electric plants, there is probably enough Geo-Thermal Energy available to meet all of Thailand's electric power needs. How many Geo-Thermal Plants does Thailand have? 4 or 5 small plants.The bottom line is, the Thailand Gov. does not have a Vision or road map toward sustainable future.Are you bummed out about this? Well, it's up to you to change it.You have my support.   

There are so many ways to generate cheaper energy. I really hope all governments pick up the ball and run with this.

it does not surprise me that the Thai government doesn't have a plan. they have been in so much nonstop conflict since well before toxin was ousted that they have been ineffectual at just about everything. hopefully they will settle down and stop bickering soon and start getting something---anything---done.

Interesting post Bruce, Cheers, however: Doubling Solar Power in the USA won't happen in the next 8 years.

OBAMA talks the talk, just like Clinton did. NATO= No Action, Talk Only. Let's hope for the best, expect less.

As for Thailand:

This information is not completely accurate, as I have first hand knowledge on the status of such projects in

Thailand with the MEA / PEA and EGAT. Several installations are in testing now, others are being implemented

and or designed as well. As officially announced in Thailand today, the unit rate will go up at 3 baht.

How do I know:

Although I am a Medical Doctor of endocrinology, I have also started up a company here in Thailand that

works directly with the PEA, we have the next meeting scheduled for the 16th of this month to implement a

project using smart grid technologies, including alternate power production and Smart - Distribution.

Bruce; thank you again for a very informative and pertinent journal. Given the inclement weather in Scotland, we are making great strides with the use of wind, marine and hydro energy. In fact, Scotland accounts for around 25% of the total European wind resources at this time. Our mountains provide the perfect setting for hydro power stations also, with over 80 in the Highlands and Islands region alone. There are also many small scale local biomass energy projects springing up. Another of the areas where progress is being made is marine energy; Scotland aims to have 10% of it's energy from this source by 2020 and even at current levels Scotland provides 10% of Europe's wave energy and around 25% of its tidal energy.

Now if we could just get some more sun...

: )

I see you are working with Solar panels, I sent you a note with my contact info, if you are interested in getting involved with our project, that would be great. Sincerely.

Appreciate everyone's comments The Khun Thai renewable energy experts are very aware of the problems with Thailand's "Power Development Plan." It's the special interests (Big Money, Independent Power Producers) that have tremendous influence in the EGAT, MEA, PEA and the Ministry of Energy. Thailand has one of the best Renewable Energy research & education centers in ASIA, The School of Renewable Energy Technology (SERT) located at Phitsanulok. Their Renewable Energy policy recommendations get watered down by the EGAT and the Ministry of Energy.

Besides the environmental advantages of green energy lets not forget the advantages of cutting the cord on mideast oil. Great for national defense.