Low Carbon News in Thailand in December 2013
Waste-Heat Power Generation in Cement Industry
(4 December 2013)
Started from 7 – 8 years ago, cement industry groups in Thailand, realizing its intense energy demand, have planned to cut down energy use and implemented various energy conservation schemes. Waste-heat utilization is one of the popular approach implemented by the Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG), the Siam City Cement Public Company Limited (SCCC) and TPI Polene Public Company Limited (TPIPL). Recently, Asia Cement Public Company Limited joined the team with a 21 MW waste-heat power generation plant. Expected electricity generation is 150 MkWh/year which could reduce 1.2×105 tonCO2/year.
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DASTA works on raising Loei’s profile as tourist destination
(6 December 2013)
The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) has been working with local communities, state agencies and tourism associations in Loei to promote the province as a leisure destination and sustain its prosperity. Recently, it joined with the Thai Eco Tourism and Adventure Travel Association to promote eight destinations, focusing on creative and low-carbon tourism. At present, Loei is the country’s third choice among Thais for winter tourism, behind Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. It can connect to Luang Prabang via the Tha Li Friendship Bridge, taking six hours to reach the cultural city in Laos.
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Climate Change Performance Index Results 2014
(9 December 2013)
Germanwatch and Climate Action Network Europe announced “The Climate Change Performance Index 2014” that was determined by using national GHG emission, GHG mitigation, renewable energy use and GHG/climate policy. The top ten countries comprise Denmark, England, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Malta, France, Hungary, Ireland, and Iceland. The index for Australia, Canada, Iran, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia appeared to be the lowest. Thailand ranks in 35th. This is relatively good among the Asian countries. However, Indonesia ranks 31th while Singapore and Malaysia rank 45th and 48th respectively.
Source:
http://www.cpthailand.com/Default.aspx?tabid=129&articleType=ArticleView&articleId=2225
A seminar on “COP 19 and the future prospects of Carbon Markets”
(19 December 2013)
Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public organization) (TGO) held a seminar on ‘COP 19 and the future prospects of Carbon Markets’. The seminar informed project developers, designated operational entities and consultants of the prospects of future carbon markets following climate agreements made at COP 19. The seminar was held from 13.00 – 16.30 at the Sukosol Hotel in Phayathai, Bangkok.
Source:
http://carbonmarket.tgo.or.th/2013/thai/index.php
A study showed palm plantation emits GHG 0.04703 kgCO2eq / 1kg of fresh fruit
(19 December 2013)
The office of agricultural economics region 8 (Suratthani) published a study on GHG emission from oil-palm plantation in the 3 provinces including Krabi, Chumporn and Suratthani. The results showed that production of 1 kg of fresh palm fruit resulted in GHG 0.04703 kgCO2eq which comes from (1) transportation 0.0009 kgCO2eq (2%) and (2) plantation process 0.04613 kgCO2eq (98%). The emission from the plantation process can be divided into fertilization 46%, inorganic fertilization 31%, organic fertilization 4%, fuel use 16% and chemicals use 1%. To mitigate GHG emission, the study suggests farmers to use high-quality sprout and select the breed appropriate to the area planted in order to enhance the productivity and yield. Farmers should utilize fertilizers and chemicals according to the palm’s age. Well design and good management of the plantation areas are recommended.
Source:
http://www.oae.go.th/ewt_news.php?nid=16509&filename=index
A seminar on “Capacity buildings for Thai industries by applying carbon footprint and carbon label”
(23 December 2013)
Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public organization) (TGO) and The Research Unit for Energy Economic & Ecological Management, Chiang Mai University, jointly organized the seminar on 23 December 2013 at the Ibis Styles Chiang Mai hotel. The seminar aimed to enhance Thai entrepreneurs’ capacity in efficient utilizing resources in their production processes. This would reduce the investment cost and greenhouse gas emission. Consequently, it would help increase Thai industries’ capacity to compete internationally.
Source:
http://thaicarbonlabel.tgo.or.th/news/?id=99
https://www.facebook.com/3E.ResearchUnit
B. Ongoing Low-Carbon Research Activities / Projects
Promoting Bicycle Ride for GHG Mitigation
The Good Governance for Social Development and the Environment Institute (GSEI) receive a financial support from Thai Health Promotion Foundation to conduct a project called “Promoting Bicycle Ride for GHG Mitigation”. The project consists of 3 main activities:
(1) Smart Bike Carbon Offset: The project investigate and develop a system called “Smart Bike Carbon Offset” that collects information from the riders about their rides in daily life, then estimate possible CO2 reduction by using methods conforming to IPCC guidelines. The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE) contributes to theoretical and technical development of this system. Calculated carbon offset would be made beneficial to the riders later as a discount coupons at stores for environmental-friendly products or services or bike-related items.
(2) Bike Traffic Simulation: Scenarios of bike traffic will be developed to see the effects of increased bicycle use to the transportation efficiency, speed, GHG and other pollution reduction.
(3) Public communication: To promote bicycle use, expand bicycle lanes, gain more acceptance and supports from policy-makers, media, and public, etc.
Project duration is from 1 October 2013 – 31 January 2015.
Source:
http://www.gsei.or.th/research_en.php