BANGKOK, THAILAND
Ramping Up Thailand’s Electric Vehicle Charging Facilities
53.2K tons of CO₂ emissions REDUCED ANNUALLY
Inhabitants 10.16 million GDP per capita $16,909 Geographic area 1,569 km2
THE CHALLENGE The transport sector currently accounts for about 26% of the country’s annual GHG emissions. Electric vehicles comprise nearly 3% of all vehicle registrations. One of the barriers to greater electric vehicle uptake is the lack of public charging infrastructure.
The anticipated first climate loan in Thailand is geared toward the electrification and decarbonization of its transport sector with a countrywide electric vehicle charging network (EVCN) expansion. Energy Absolute, the largest renewable energy company in Thailand having solar and wind power plants with a total installed capacity of 664 MW, is now expanding its operations to produce battery and electric vehicles and develop e-charging infrastructure. Through a corporate loan to Energy Absolute, the project will support the expansion of an extensive EVCN comprising at least 3,600 charging stations across Thailand’s major cities. Once established, the EVCN in Thailand will be one of the largest in Southeast Asia and will significantly reduce GHG emissions. The loan will also support the operation of the 90 MW Nakornsawan Solar and 260 MW Hanuman Wind power plants. The loan focusing on climate change benefits, will enable the continuity and business expansion of Energy Absolute’s clean energy investments. It will be certified by the Climate Bonds Initiative and will adhere to the Green Loan Principles. For the project, ADB provided a Thai baht loan equivalent to $47.6 million.
Co-benefits Health A cleaner environment with the reduction in air pollutant emissions can lead to improved health for the general population. Environmental The shift from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles will contribute to reduced local air pollution and transport sector GHG emissions.
Promoting electric mobility. More electric vehicle charging outlets like this one will be installed across Thailand (photo by Energy Absolute).
URBAN TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY 41
