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Thailand considers 50% of renewables in its power mix by 2050

Thailand is considering a target of 50% of renewables in its power mix by 2050, as part of a new national power development plan. In 2020, natural gas dominated the power mix (64% in 2020 compared to 66% in 2016), followed by coal and lignite (19.5%), biomass (9.5%), hydro (2.6%), and other renewables (4.6%); renewables (including hydropower and biomass) thus accounted for 16.7% of the country's power mix in 2020. 

Thailand submitted its first NDC in 2016 and updated it in 2020, leaving targets unchanged, i.e. a 20% reduction in GHG emissions in 2030 and up to 25% with international and technology support. Nevertheless, in November 2021, Thailand pledged to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2065-2070 and carbon neutrality (i.e. CO2 emissions only) by 2050, subject to international aid. Total CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion more than tripled between 1990 and 2013 before plateauing around 260 MtCO₂.