Thailand

Major challenges

The decline in the economy of Thailand as a result of the Asian financial crisis resulted in a decline in domestic demand for electricity in 1998, though it improved in 1999. This led the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to revise electricity demand projections, delaying a number of power projects.

Thailand’s energy consumption and energy intensity has been growing rapidly in the last two decades and with it carbon dioxide emissions. For example, energy consumed per capita quadrupled from 1980 to 2001 with carbon dioxide emissions rising by 7.9 per cent per year on average, from 36 million metric tons in 1980 to 178 million metric tons in 2001.

Targets and goals

The Government of Thailand has plans to privatize the power sector and purchase electricity from the private sector. To enable customers to have a free choice in selecting their electricity supplier, the transmission system will be transformed into a common carrier.

There have been plans to expand cooperation with neighbouring countries to develop energy resources and import electricity. To facilitate this, the transmission system throughout the country will be extended to connect with neighbouring countries such as Lao People’s Democratic Republic and China. Improvement of the transmission system will also assist in the development of power facilities, industrial development and tourism.

Despite the recent growth in energy consumption, Thailand has diversified its energy sources, particularly expanding its use of natural gas. The Government further plans to promote energy efficiency to enable the development of a sufficient and reliable power supply.

Renewable Energy

Currently, renewable energy sources provide only a minor contribution to the total generating capacity in Thailand, with hydropower accounting for most of this. In an attempt to diversify the electricity supply, the Government is looking to expand the country’s use of solar power. For example, one project aims to supply 300,000 homes with solar cells to generate additional electricity.

The Government is also encouraging the production of electricity from non-conventional and renewable sources through the Small Power Producer Programme, which has led to some innovative projects such as the use of rice husk as a biofuel.

Environmental impact

In 2002, the Government ratified the Kyoto Protocol, though Thailand, as a non-Annex I country, is not required to reduce emissions below 1990 levels.

The carbon intensity has become more pronounced since 1990 and is continuing to rise, albeit at a lesser rate than the energy intensity. However, despite increasing carbon emissions, Thailand only accounts for 0.7 per cent of the world’s total carbon emissions.

One of Thailand’s worst environmental problems is air pollution, particularly in Bangkok, which suffers from serious traffic problems. There are also records of excessive health problems among people living in areas surrounding thermal power stations. To help improve Thailand’s environment, a number of environmental initiatives have been instigated in recent years, though enforcement of existing laws and regulations could be improved.

Stakeholders

• Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)
http://www.egat.co.th/en/

• Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO)
http://www.eppo.go.th/