"The Thai govenrment's energy choices in the coming years will determine our environmental and economic situation for many decades to come, in light of the growing threats of climate change. Renewable energies are competitive, if and only if governments phase-out subsidies for fossil and nuclear fuels and introduce the `polluter- pays principle`. The new draft Power Development Plan (PDP2007) is a regression in the country's energy strategy. Coal will account for up to 21,700 MW of the electricity production from the year 2014-2021.  That is construction of 25 to 31 more new smoke-belching coal plants which will directly contribute to climate change with their CO2 emissions" said Tara Buakamsri, Climate and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
 
During the event, Greenpeace presented the 'Energy [R]evolution: A Sustainable World Energy Outlook' report produced in collaboration with the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC). The report provides a practical blueprint for cutting global CO2 emissions by almost 50% within the next 43 years, whilst providing a secure and affordable energy supply and, critically, maintaining steady worldwide economic development. Renewable energy, combined with efficiencies from the 'smart use' of energy, can deliver half of the world's energy needs by 2050, it asserts.

"Renewable energy can and will have to play a leading role in the world's energy future. There is no technical but a political barrier to make this shift. It is up to our government to seize the opportunity to continue sustainable development, reduce dependence from foreign sources, increase employment, create a stable society and make a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change," said Tara.

Other participants at the programme included Suphakit Nantavorakarn of Healthy Public Policy Foundation, Hannarong Yoawalert of National Economic and Social Advisory Council and representatives from local administration and Ministry of Energy.