สำนักงานราชบัณฑิตยสภา

สมชาย วงศ์วิเศษ และ คณิต อรุณรัตน์ 21 วารสารราชบัณฑิตยสภา ปีที่ ๔๐ ฉบับที่ ๑ ม.ค.-มี.ค. ๒๕๕๘ Abstract Current Situation and Potential of Hydropower in Thailand Somchai Wongwises Associate Fellow of the Academy of Science, The Royal Society, Thailand Fluid Mechanics, Thermal Engineering and Multiphase Flow Research Laboratory (FUTURE), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangmod, Bangkok 10140, Thailand Kanit Aroonrat Fluid Mechanics, Thermal Engineering and Multiphase Flow Research Laboratory (FUTURE), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangmod, Bangkok 10140, Thailand Hydropower is an attractive energy option since it is renewable, clean, and environmentally friendly. In 2013, Thailand had a hydropower capacity of 3,497 MW, accounted for 11% of the total capacity of the system. The existing potential of hydropower in Thailand is as high as 15,155 MW. Moreover, the 25 river basins of the country could generate electricity from small-scale hydropower plants for more than 1,500 MW. Currently, the Ministry of Energy has a goal to increase the electricity production from alternative and renewable energy sources to 9,201 MW, including 1,608 MW of hydropower by 2021. This paper presents a review of the current situation and potential of hydropower in Thailand. Future development plans for supporting hydropower generation have also been presented. Keywords : current staus, potential, hydropower