7. INDC and Low-Carbon Technology Deployment Scenarios: Thailand

Low-carbon technologies (LCTs) play a key role in contributing to achieve Thailand’s INDC 2030 target. LCTs of nine plans under INDC are identified such as current status and future directions of LCTs, analysis on LCTs and the gap, specific features for international support and domestic efforts related to LCTs, and the assessment of anticipated impacts and benefits for economic, social, and environmental sectors. Barriers and challenges for diffusion of LCTs to achieve INDC targets depend on commitment of involving ministries and progress in 2015–2016, progress of implementation of plans (technical cooperation for moving MRV of LCTs, new technology promotion, and self-assessment tool), and key drivers for continuing the implementation (plan and budget or expense, support of Energy Conservation Fund, energy-efficient technology, and co-benefit thinking system). To ensure economic growth with LCTs deployment, Thailand has implemented Industry 4.0 Policy and other support programs (Talent Mobility Program and STEM Program) and is planning to implement other development projects and policies such as Special Economic Zones in Thailand, Eastern Economic Corridor Development Project, Smart Grid Technology, and Carbon Tax. Lastly, this article discusses regional and international technology cooperation that accelerates trade and investment, funding support and implementation of LCTs such as energy connectivity with neighbor countries, low-carbon zone to attract foreign investments, technology cooperation to scale up renewable energy technologies, partnership for capacity building, and enhancement of Thailand’s Energy Conservation (ENCON) Fund to the regional level.