1. Connecting pigfarm biogas to the grid in Thailand – VSPP regulations
25 February 2004
Chris & Chom Greacen
Thai Net Metering Project
Palang Thai

2. VSPP regulations
VSPP regulations allow small renewable energy power producers to sell electricity to the grid.
Generators have to use renewable energy and must be less than 1 MW.

3. Background
The Cabinet on 14 May approved Regulations for the Purchase of Power from Very Small Renewable Energy Power Producers (VSPPs):
Applies to:
Renewable energy: solar, wind, biogas, biomass, micro-hydro, etc.
Up to 1 MW net export
Acceptance of applications since:
10 June, Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA)
15 July Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA)

4. Overview of the VSPP Regulations
VSPPs sell power directly MEA/PEA.
Tariff Rates
- If Consumption > Generation (Net energy consumption)
Electricity Tariff = Retail Base Tariff+ Retail Ft
- If Generation > Consumption (Net energy consumption)
Purchase Price = Avg bulk supply tariff+Avg wholesale Ft

5. Objectives of Power Purchase from VSPPs
To promote participation of VSPPs in electricity generation
To promote efficient use of domestic natural resources and reduce dependency on the use of commercial fuels
To open up an opportunity for remote areas to participate in electricity generation
To alleviate the government’s budgetary burden to invest in electricity generation and distribution systems

6. 5000 pigs  1200 baht/day from electricity
Example: Pig farms
Quantity of pigs in Thailand:
5.4 million
Pig  waste-water  gas  electricity  baht
1 pig liter/day cu. m/day kWh/day baht/day
5000 pigs  1200 baht/day from electricity

7. Applications received (as of 20 Jan 2004)
MEA
PEA
# of projects kW
Solar PV 25
71.1 5
15.4
Biogas 1
1048 6
>750
Biomass 4
5000
Total 26
1119.1 15
>5765

8. Contracts signed (as of 20 Jan 2004)
MEA
PEA
# of projects kW
Solar PV 1
3.1
Biogas 4 ?
Biomass 3
4000
Total 8
>4000

9. Sticking points… Expensive interconnection requirements
VAT tax issue unresolved
Concession by Department of Energy Business, Ministry of Energy
Lack of awareness among potential customer generators

10. For more information Contact: Tel. 02-674-2533 info@netmeter.org