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Energy scenarios for Thailand studied by Greenpeace in 2002 clearly
stated that by 2020 over one third of Thailand's electricity demand
could be met from renewables sources. Working on 35 percent
renewables mix, 25 percent of the country's electricity could be
derived from biomass, 5 percent from mini-hydro and 2.5 percent from
solar, with the remaining 2.5 percent divided between geothermal and
wind . It is also estimated that between 2010 and 2015 renewable energy
will become as cheap as conventional energy sources, possibly even
cheaper if these technologies are mainstreamed.
In addition, studies commissioned by European governments and by Thailand's National Energy Policy Office(NEPO) indicate significant potential for renewables and energy conservation. Data from the Thai Ministry of Energy suggests that Thailand has over 14,000-MW renewable energy potential: 7,000-MW from biomass, more than 5,000 MW powered by solar photovoltaic, 1,600-MW of wind and 700-MW from small hydro power . The 1998 study found a potential for 3,000 MW of commercially viable electricity generation using biomass while the International Institute for Energy Conservation found that demand side management (DSM) could save 2,200 MW for less money than building new power plants . The combined biomass and DSM potential alone represents almost more than twice the capacity of BLCP coal plant.
In August 2003 The Thai Government launched the National Energy Strategy which set up quite ambitious targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy development. Concurrently, the concept of the Power Development Plan Alternative (PDP-A), developed by the Sustainable Energy Network of Thailand(SENT) in 1999, has materialized due to the efforts of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council in 2004 during the public debate on government privatization policy for the Thai power sector. In the PDP-Alternative, it has been indicated that sustainable energy choices will lead to a higher GDP contribution for the national economy, reduce the balance of payments (BOP) burden and overall external cost, create more jobs, and lower greenhouse gases emissions compared to the operation of coal-fired power plants. It was also noted that the PDP-A will lead to a more ambitious renewable target by increasing the renewable energy share from 2 percent up to 10 percent by 2015 .
Demands
At present, new and renewable energy technologies represent less than two percent of the country's total primary energy supply. It is high time for the Thai government to put in place genuinely ambitious new renewable energy targets in order for the country to decisively address the twin threats of climate change and toxic emissions. Aggressively developing Thailand's new renewable energy resources is more than just an environmental imperative. Huge energy security and job-creation benefits stand to be derived should Thailand choose to embrace higher, time-bound renewable energy and energy efficiency targets.
Greenpeace calls on
In addition, studies commissioned by European governments and by Thailand's National Energy Policy Office(NEPO) indicate significant potential for renewables and energy conservation. Data from the Thai Ministry of Energy suggests that Thailand has over 14,000-MW renewable energy potential: 7,000-MW from biomass, more than 5,000 MW powered by solar photovoltaic, 1,600-MW of wind and 700-MW from small hydro power . The 1998 study found a potential for 3,000 MW of commercially viable electricity generation using biomass while the International Institute for Energy Conservation found that demand side management (DSM) could save 2,200 MW for less money than building new power plants . The combined biomass and DSM potential alone represents almost more than twice the capacity of BLCP coal plant.
In August 2003 The Thai Government launched the National Energy Strategy which set up quite ambitious targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy development. Concurrently, the concept of the Power Development Plan Alternative (PDP-A), developed by the Sustainable Energy Network of Thailand(SENT) in 1999, has materialized due to the efforts of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council in 2004 during the public debate on government privatization policy for the Thai power sector. In the PDP-Alternative, it has been indicated that sustainable energy choices will lead to a higher GDP contribution for the national economy, reduce the balance of payments (BOP) burden and overall external cost, create more jobs, and lower greenhouse gases emissions compared to the operation of coal-fired power plants. It was also noted that the PDP-A will lead to a more ambitious renewable target by increasing the renewable energy share from 2 percent up to 10 percent by 2015 .
Demands
At present, new and renewable energy technologies represent less than two percent of the country's total primary energy supply. It is high time for the Thai government to put in place genuinely ambitious new renewable energy targets in order for the country to decisively address the twin threats of climate change and toxic emissions. Aggressively developing Thailand's new renewable energy resources is more than just an environmental imperative. Huge energy security and job-creation benefits stand to be derived should Thailand choose to embrace higher, time-bound renewable energy and energy efficiency targets.
Greenpeace calls on
- The Thai Government to halt the ongoing construction of BLCP coal plant project until a full-scale environmental audit of currently operating coal plants determines the full costs of coal-fired power generation to the environment and the health of host communities.
- The Thai Government to phase-out coal-fired plants even as it while it phases in clean renewable energy as a national policy for the next Power Development Plan and ensure that participative and exhaustive analyses of renewable energy and energy efficiency alternatives are undertaken in order to provide communities and local governments with sustainable and clean energy options.
- Withdraw finance for stage 2 of BLCP's coal-fired power plant project.
- Suspend finance for stage 1 pending a full review of impacts and processes.
- Hold accountable for the damaging consequences of coal-fired power generation.
Star Power for Clean Power
JayR
Despite his insane schedule, JayR still found time to support the Greenpeace campaign for clean energy. In a 15-second video he recorded for the international environmental group, JayR called on his fans to support Greenpeace and clean energy.
