Thailand’s energy transition gains pace amid resilient plans and rising investment – ABB study
- Thailand shows strong commitment to energy transition, with 80 percent of energy leaders saying their plans remain on track despite global geopolitical shifts
- Momentum in renewables and broader transition remains robust, with 77 percent expecting renewable energy use to increase by over 20 percent within five years
- 74 percent of organizations allocating more than 10 percent of CAPEX to transition efforts
Thailand is well-positioned to play a more leading role in shaping and supporting Asia Pacific in the global energy transition, according to the findings from the ABB Energy Industries division Asia Pacific Energy Transition Readiness Index 2025. The country’s progress is underpinned by resilience and a forward-looking mindset, with a significant 80 percent of energy leaders saying their plans remain on track despite recent global geopolitical shifts – a clear signal of strategic stability.
This industry survey by ABB’s Energy Industries division is based on responses of 4,085 energy leaders responsible for sustainability and technology strategies at companies in 10 energy-intensive industries across 12 markets in Asia Pacific. Assessing 20 readiness indicators across four pillars critical to the transition – Strategy, Technology & Infrastructure, Finance, and Talent – the Thailand results point to growing momentum, supported by national climate goals and increasing confidence in AI and automation.
Thailand is expecting to make strong progress in renewables, with 77 percent of energy leaders expecting their organization’s renewable energy use to grow by more than 20 percent in the next five years, while 39 percent already source over half their energy from renewables. This momentum aligns with the country’s carbon neutrality and net-zero goals, as well as the country’s draft Power Development Plan (PDP2024), which targets a 51 percent share of renewables in total power generation capacity by 2037, up from 36 percent in the existing PDP2018.
Anders Maltesen, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division, Asia, said, “Thailand’s performance across key readiness indicators is encouraging – driven by strong and accelerating renewable energy adoption, rising investment, and a forward-looking embrace of AI. Backed by national commitments, the country is well-positioned to set the pace for the region. To fully unlock this potential, it must strengthen strategic planning and workforce skills, using targeted investment and cross-sector collaboration to bridge gaps and shape a more sustainable energy future.”
65 percent of leaders cite technology as a major accelerator, and 34 percent say there are also untapped opportunities to scale proven solutions. Optimism is strong around AI and automation (69 percent view them as key enablers), supported by Thailand’s national push on digitalization and AI development, including its latest ฿25 billion AI strategy. To realize this potential, organizations must pair adoption with operational and cybersecurity foundations needed for reliable performance.
With 74 percent of organizations planning to allocate over 10 percent of their capital expenditures (CAPEX) to transition initiatives in the next five years, coupled with technological optimism and growing sector alignment, Thailand is well-placed to turn progress into lasting impact and strengthen its role in Asia Pacific’s energy transition.
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