Transforming the Policy and Regulatory Environment for Grid-scale Energy Storage in Thailand

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) play a crucial role in enabling the integration of variable renewable energy and advancing power system transformation. While industrialized countries have established strong BESS policies, progress in developing countries remains limited. This paper examines Thailand’s BESS promotion measures following its 2050 carbon neutrality pledge and the 2022 launch of a regulatory sandbox for pilot testing. Applying the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s readiness framework, the study evaluates policy direction, technical constraints and regulatory transitions, alongside financial viability for nationwide BESS adoption. Findings reveal both opportunities and challenges, underscoring that successful BESS deployment requires robust techno-economic viewpoints and clear business viability from policy and regulatory pathways.