Thailand explores green digital economy to support AI and data centers

At the CP Innovation Exposition 2026, government and private sector representatives discussed strategies to develop a ‘green digital economy’ in Thailand. The rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and data centers has increased the nation's energy demands, specifically regarding electricity volume, grid stability, and access to clean energy.

To attract investment without placing a financial burden on general electricity consumers, officials are considering policies such as Direct Power Purchase Agreements (Direct PPA) and Third-Party Access (TPA) to the power grid. This would allow private entities to trade clean energy directly. Additionally, regulators are exploring specific electricity rates for data centers to reflect the costs of reserve capacity and grid maintenance required to manage renewable energy volatility.

Industry experts from Boston Consulting Group and Arise IDC emphasized the need for clear long-term regulations and the use of AI to manage energy consumption. Proposals include incentivizing businesses to reduce electricity use during peak demand and fostering public-private partnerships to increase power system flexibility.