The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has entered into an $820 million financing agreement with Gulf Renewable Energy Company Limited, a subsidiary of Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (Gulf), to support a major portfolio of renewable energy projects across Thailand. This loan will finance 12 renewable energy initiatives, advancing Thailand’s clean energy ambitions and carbon neutrality goals.
$820 Million Loan to Fund 12 Renewable Projects
The loan package, led by ADB, will fund eight ground-mounted solar PV plants with a combined capacity of 393 MW. It will also fund four solar PV plants with battery storage, providing 256 MW capacity and 396 MW-hours storage. This combination of solar power and battery storage enhances grid stability, providing reliable, clean energy during non-daylight hours.Â
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In addition to ADB’s $260 million, the financing package includes $529 million in parallel loans from several institutions. The package includes contributions from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft, the Export-Import Bank of China, KEXIM Global (Singapore), and others.
Additionally, ADB secured $31.35 million from the Clean Technology Fund to manage risks in integrating battery storage with solar projects.
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Supporting Thailand’s Clean Energy Transition
Suzanne Gaboury, ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations said, “This portfolio of projects significantly enhances solar energy and solar energy with battery storage in Thailand, marking a major step forward in the country’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality. It also offers a compelling model that can be replicated throughout the region.”
She added, “By integrating battery storage with solar power, these projects will help to provide clean energy during non-daylight hours, grid stability, and facilitate further integration of solar power which will enhance Thailand’s energy mix. This initiative highlights ADB’s convening power in mobilizing capital for impactful projects in Asia.” Â
The projects support Thailand’s 5 GW renewable energy feed-in-tariff program, aiming to double solar and wind capacity by 2030. Thailand also targets a 50% share of renewable energy in its generation mix by 2037.