@article{10ef7d6c387c46f29b4edac0d959509b,
title = "Towards a sustainable energy future-exploring current barriers and potential solutions in Thailand",
abstract = "Renewable energy is considered an indispensable basis of sustainable energy systems as electricity generation from renewable sources results in low emissions of greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuel based electricity and contributes to sustainable development. However, effective strategies and conducive institutional settings are needed for advancement of such clean electricity systems. Although Thailand, as a nation, has a huge potential for renewable energy utilization, its total amount of electricity generation from renewables is relatively small and could be enlarged substantially. Lack of policy mechanisms, institutional development and financing exist as major barriers for Thailand in this regard. Investigation of the nation's current energy strategy implementation shows that relevant energy and development policies are at different stages of implementation and institutional settings are continuously evolving. This paper argues that further significant efforts could be made towards advancement of renewable electricity and thus achievement of energy sustainability in Thailand. Resource planning, effective policy and institutions, focussed planning for energy sustainability and implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol could facilitate further advancement of renewables for the nation.",
keywords = "CDM, Policy, Renewable, Sustainable energy, Thailand",
author = "Uddin, {Sk Noim} and Ros Taplin and Xiaojiang Yu",
note = "Funding Information: Advanced and new technologies for electricity generation especially from renewables are capital intensive and thus associated with a high risk in investment. In particular, in Thailand financing and investment are among the major barriers. In order to enhance financial support by the Thai Government, an ENCON Fund27 was established under the ENCON Program to provide working capital including financial grants or support to promote energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy development activities (Pichalai 2007). While the ENCON Fund has provided initial support for renewables, Thailand still lacks target-oriented policy initiatives to enhance subsidies and tax provision in advancing of renewable electricity, which have been implemented in other settings. For example, in Sweden, investment support is operational for about 25–35% for wind electricity generation ([60 kW), up to 15% investment subsidy for small-scale hydro-electricity generation schemes, and support of US$625/kW of installed electricity capacity for new cogeneration or combined heat and electricity (CHP) production plants (Korner 2005; Wang 2006). Also, emission taxes levied especially on fossil-based heating systems have encouraged biomass-based cogeneration in Sweden (Wang 2006). Another example is Brazil where a programme called PROINFA (Programa de Incentivo a Fontes alternatives) has been successful in providing fiscal incentives for grid-connected wind, small hydro and biomass thermoelectric plants (Cavaliero and Da Silva 2005; Goldemberg et al. 2004). Thailand has already devised implementation of Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), as discussed previously; however, initial success of a market mechanism such as RPS depends on the political, administrative and socio-economic conditions of its specific geo-political context (Reiche and Bechberger 2004; Winkler 2005). Funding Information: Acknowledgements Sk Noim Uddin gratefully acknowledges the Centre for Energy Environment Resources Development in Thailand for its assistance with facilitation of his field research administration, and provision of information for his research visits to South East Asian nations. The authors also gratefully acknowledge Mrs Prasertsuk Chamornmarn, Dr Natarika V. Cooper and Dr Benchamaporn Wattanatongchai of Thailand{\textquoteright}s Office of Natural Resources and Environment Policy and Planning for their kind assistance in provision of useful information for this paper. Sk Noim Uddin acknowledges Dr Saichit Chawana of Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Ms Jariya Jarurak of World Wildlife Fund Thailand and Ms Wasana Ngakaew of Hewlett Packard Thailand Ltd. for their kind support and assistance during his research visits in 2006 and 2007. He further acknowledges Mr. Sirisak Tatong of Mitr Phol Group and Mr. Natee Sithiprasasana of A.T. Biopower for their kind assistance in provision of useful information on CDM project development during his research visit in 2007. The authors also acknowledge Dr Chaiwat Muncharoen and Dr Twarath Sutabutr of Ministry of Energy, Mr. Rangsan Sarochawikasit of Department of Alternative Energy Development and Energy Efficiency (DEDE), Mr. Wichet Phothiwisutwathee and Mr. Khan Ram-Indra of Environmental Resource Management Thailand, Mr. Nguyen Khac Tiep of United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Ms Sophie Punte of United Nations Environment Program, and Ms Kelly Hayden of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific for provision of useful information for this research during Sk Noim Uddin{\textquoteright}s research visit to Thailand in 2006. Authors gratefully acknowledge review comments from anonymous reviewers{\textquoteright} on an earlier draft of the paper. Financial support from Macquarie University has allowed the project to go ahead. The usual disclaimer applies.",
year = "2010",
month = jan,
doi = "10.1007/s10668-008-9180-1",
language = "English",
volume = "12",
pages = "63--87",
journal = "Environment, Development and Sustainability",
issn = "1387-585X",
publisher = "Springer Netherlands",
number = "1",
}
