Success Factors for the Implementation of Community Renewable Energy in Thailand †

Community renewable energy (CRE) has recently been proposed as one of the effective policy tools to make a community sustainable and to strengthen this association. CRE is, however, not widespread yet in Thailand, and evidence-based research on CRE in the country is rather scarce. This paper aims to investigate the characteristics of CRE in Thailand to identify the key factors affecting its implementation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis for 26 active CRE projects in Thailand. Results show that the characteristics of CRE in Thailand are rooted in the geographical location of a community. A legal structure was created from a pre-existing group to implement a CRE project. The primary motivation for implementing CRE is sustainable development of a community. We examined essential factors separated into two groups-internal and external factors-in reference to CRE in developed nations. We highlight several issues concerning the further development of CRE in Thailand. First, a strong group leader and a formal structure are essential to drive and manage a project. Second, networks of CRE projects and long-term revolving funds are crucial external support to implement CRE.

Automated summary

This study investigates the characteristics of Community Renewable Energy (CRE) in Thailand and identifies key factors affecting its implementation. The results show that characteristics of CRE in Thailand are rooted in the geographical location of a community and the primary motivation for implementation is the sustainable development of the community. Key factors affecting the implementation of CRE include strong group leadership, formal project structures, networks of CRE projects, and long-term revolving funds.