Potential of Krabi Province (Thailand) as a Model City of Complete Relying upon Renewable Energy for Power Production

Abstract

This study assessed the potential of renewable energy (RE) resources to find a province in Thailand that could be a model city of complete relying upon RE. Here, Krabi province is a case study due to its abundance in RE resources. Based on the results of this study, Krabi has quantitative potential to produce 140 MW of electrical power from renewable energy, which is sufficient for the electricity demand in Krabi (95 MW). However, considering the economics, more than half of these 140 MW, which is from the palm trunks and fronds, is not worth investing. This leaves only fractions of palm bunch/palm fiber, biogas and solar (rooftop) dependable energy sources, accounting for approximately 60 MW, or 63% of electricity demand in Krabi.