Krabi, 13 June 2018- Krabi Province can lead the renewable energy (RE) transition in Thailand and achieve 100% RE by 2026. According to a report by Greenpeace Southeast Asia, the Healthy Public Policy Foundation, Thammasart University and Save Andaman from Coal Network, this can be possible with a combination of modern biomass, biogas, solar, wind and mini-hydropower managed under an RE smart grid. The groups are calling on local and national policy makers to make this transition a reality.
The report, entitled Krabi Goes Green, shows the results of a study on electricity consumption and generation plans in Krabi for the next 20 years (2018-2037). The study projects a total electricity generation potential of 1,676 MW (installed capacity) mainly from renewable energy sources. In just three years, by 2021, Krabi can already be 100% dependent on renewable energy for at least two hours a day. A gradual transition to 100% RE can be completed in the next five years, by 2026. All that is needed is political will, strong policy support, unlocked regulations on renewable energy, and grid reforms on energy carrying capacity.
“Krabi’s potential transition to 100% RE will benefit not just local communities and the province, but the entire country, and can serve as a model for sustainable and inclusive development,” said Somnuk Krodsua from Save Pakasai Group of Krabi. “Shifting to RE will not only contribute to reducing the impacts of climate change, it will also protect our environment, secure our livelihoods, and ensure a good future for our children.”
“Krabi’s transition to 100% RE will serve as a province-wide model of sustainability. Krabi can benefit at both socio-economic and environmental fronts, including lower import burdens, increased contributions to economic growth, higher employment, and lower greenhouse gas emissions” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chalie Charoenlarpnopparut, of Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT). “
The shift will also require a pragmatic public policy that: 1) prioritises the entry of renewable energy into the grid before any energy generated from existing fossil fuel plants, 2) incentivizes renewable energy at a proper rate that balances the electricity cost regulation and investment, 3) reorients state enterprises related to electricity generation systems to espouse a renewable energy mindset, and 4) development and modernisation of smart grids and efficient electricity management systems at the grid level.
“Krabi Goes Green is a priority master plan that aims to provide energy justice, good governance and public participation. It also heralds the closing stages of Thailand’s dependence on coal-fired power plants,” said Chariya Senpong, Climate and Energy Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia. “Renewable energy would certainly promote a prosperous economy, thriving tourism and improved quality of life for all. The end of coal era in Thailand can happen sooner if all cities map out a renewable energy path that will permeate provincial energy and investment planning.”
Krabi Goes Green, was launched today on board the Greenpeace flagship, the Rainbow Warrior. The ship is in the country for its “100% Renewable Energy for All” tour to show how a transition to renewable energy not only helps avoid the most disastrous impacts of climate change, but also benefits the economy by providing more jobs and income, and fostering innovation, knowledge and skills.
Noted to editors:
- Krabi Goes Green report can be downloaded at https://act.gp/2HHDPsm
- The report is conducted by Chalie Charoenlarpnopparut (Thammasat University), Akanit Kwangkaew (Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology), Suphakit Nantavorakarn (the Healthy Public Policy Foundation), Athirat Damdee (Thailand National Palm Oil Board), Somnuk Krodsua (Save Pakasai Group of Krabi), Kittichai Angchuan (Krabi Provincial Administrative Organisation), Kwankanok Kasirawat (Krabi Goes Green Network), Amarit Siripornjuthakul (Krabi Tourism Industry Council Consultancy), Titiwetaya Yaikratok(the Healthy Public Policy Foundation).
Contact:
Somrudee Panasudtha, Media Campaigner, Greenpeace Southeast Asia
Tel.: 081 929 5747 Email: 