GPSC Eyes Power Plan Role Supporting Data Centers, Net Zero Goals
GPSC is positioning itself to support Thailand's ambitious 25-year power plan that projects electricity demand will surge to 77,000 megawatts by 2050, with expanded small modular reactor capacity playing a key role in meeting net zero targe
Global Power Synergy (GPSC), the PTT Group electricity business, announced its strategy to capitalize on Thailand's new Power Development Plan (PDP) spanning 2026-2050. CEO Sirimeth Leephakorn stated that the company is confident in its ability to manage various power plants across different fuel types and costs while supporting data center expansion.
The new PDP aims to address three critical areas: electricity system security, appropriate price structure, and environmental sustainability. Thailand's electricity demand is projected to surge from current levels of 30,000-33,000 megawatts to approximately 77,000 megawatts by 2050. During the transition period, the country will continue relying on natural gas power plants to maintain grid stability and buffer renewable energy volatility.
A major element of the new PDP is the inclusion of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power plants. The original plan allocated 600 megawatts of SMR capacity by the end of the period, but the new plan expands this to 2,400 megawatts for baseline power generation. This represents a significant increase in clean energy capacity to support Thailand's Net Zero goals. Leephakorn noted that initial construction costs remain high at approximately $6-8 million per megawatt, though costs are expected to decline in the future.
Thailand's first SMR facility is projected to begin development after 2036, with the state-owned Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) leading initial pilot project development. The technology offers energy security, cost competitiveness, and low-carbon generation with continuous operation, while helping reduce long-term fuel cost volatility.
