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FTI Proposes 9,000 MW of SMR Nuclear Power in Thailand's 2026 Energy Plan
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is advocating for the inclusion of 9,000 megawatts of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) capacity in the upcoming PDP 2026 power development plan to mitigate reliance on expensive imported LNG.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has proposed integrating 9,000 megawatts of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology into Thailand’s Power Development Plan (PDP 2026). During a seminar titled 'New Energy for Thailand,' Nateesak Sittiprasat, chairman of the FTI’s Renewable Energy Industry Club, highlighted that SMRs could serve as a critical alternative for electricity, heat, and steam production, potentially reducing the industrial sector's heavy dependence on natural gas.
The proposal stems from concerns regarding energy security and price volatility. The FTI noted that while Thailand utilizes domestic natural gas from the Gulf of Thailand, limited supply necessitates significant imports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Citing past geopolitical conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, the FTI warned that LNG prices can spike dramatically, exceeding 50 USD per million BTU.
For residents and travelers, this development is significant as it signals a potential long-term shift in Thailand’s energy infrastructure aimed at stabilizing electricity costs and industrial competitiveness. However, the proposal is currently part of a draft discussion. It remains to be confirmed whether the government will officially adopt these targets in the final PDP 2026 framework or what specific safety and regulatory protocols would be established for the deployment of SMR technology within the country.