UPDATE ON THAILAND GEOTHERMAL ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Systematic studies of geothermal energy resources in Thailand started in 1979. Presently, the development is still in progress as evidenced by continuous exploration and research activities of the organizations concerned. The development at Fang system has led to a very successful ‘multipurposes geothermal energy development project’ i.e. electricity generation, agricultural direct uses, and tourism. The paper gives updated information on status of on-going and future geothermal research and development projects. Recently, Thailand has joined an international research project, collaborated by IAEA, on Interregional Collaboration Among Circum-Pacific (Asia and Latin America) Countries for Development of Geothermal Energy Resources with Environmental Protection through Geochemistry and Isotope Techniques. The Geothermal Working Group proposed that the national Geothermal Research Centre to be established to be responsible for the national geothermal energy development programme.