Thailand's long-term GHG emission reduction in 2050: the achievement of renewable energy and energy efficiency beyond the NDC

Abstract

The sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Thailand come from the energy sector, including power generation, transport, industries, buildings, and households. In 2016, the energy sector contributed 77 percent of total GHG emissions. Thailand's energy policies are the essential instrument to deal with GHG emission reduction under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The renewable energy (RE) plans aim at increasing the share of RE in final energy consumption while the energy efficiency (EE) plans aim at improving energy efficiency as well as reducing fossil-fuel consumption. GHG emission mitigation will result in several co-benefits such as increasing energy security and decreasing local air pollutants. Therefore, this study analyzes potentials of GHG emission reduction during 2015–2050 from utilization of renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency using the Long-range Energy Alternative Planning system (LEAP) model. Results include potentials of domestic RE and EE measures to achieve Thailand's nationally determined contribution (NDC). Moreover, it was found that to meet Thailand's first NDC of 20 percent GHG emission reduction target in 2030, targets in the RE plan and the EE plan must be achieved by at least 50 percent and 75 percent, respectively, or targets in the RE plan and the EE plan must be achieved by at least 75 percent and 50 percent. In addition, the extended NDC scenario in 2050 is analyzed in the long-term perspective of Thailand showing 30.4 percent reduction when compared to the BAU. The policy implication includes promotion of energy efficiency, acceleration of the deployment of renewable energy and advanced technologies such as CCS, completion of transmission network for renewable electricity, zoning of biomass sources, and public awareness in climate changes.

Citywide Energy-Related CO2 Emissions and Sustainability Assessment of the Development of Low-Carbon Policy in Chiang Mai, Thailand

“…Zhou et al [25] promote the use of all climate mitigation policies such as long-term low-carbon development strategies, improvement of energy efficiency, and development of economic instruments (i.e., carbon taxation). In Thailand, this is further supported by Misila et al [26] who determined that the adoption of energy efficiency measures and the promotion of cleaner technologies, such as energy efficiency labeling, building energy codes, designated buildings, financial incentives, LED lighting, and renewable energy would lead to a reduction in GHG. Mitigation measures in the household sector are energy efficiency labeling, LED, and the adoption of renewable energy technology.…”

Analysis of How Energy Companies Pledge and Attempt to Reduce Their Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Line with National Targets on Climate Change: A Case Study of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT)

“…AEDP is the one that provides the most guidelines concerning the transition to a low-carbon economy for the energy sector, thus for the PTT. In particular, it states that the share of renewable energy will have to increase to 30% by 2036 which requires the installation of new facilities to generate 19.6 GW [18]. Concerning electricity generation, this will be achieved through a mix of renewable energy composed of biomass, biogas, wind, hydro, and solar [18].…”

“…In particular, it states that the share of renewable energy will have to increase to 30% by 2036 which requires the installation of new facilities to generate 19.6 GW [18]. Concerning electricity generation, this will be achieved through a mix of renewable energy composed of biomass, biogas, wind, hydro, and solar [18]. As for heat in both private and public buildings, 37% of the total demand will be covered by renewable sources [18].…”

“…Concerning electricity generation, this will be achieved through a mix of renewable energy composed of biomass, biogas, wind, hydro, and solar [18]. As for heat in both private and public buildings, 37% of the total demand will be covered by renewable sources [18].…”

Community Capacity-Building Mobilization towards Energy Transitions in the Era of Thailand 4.0: A Case Study on Biomass Power Plants

“…After launching the renewable energy policy, the domestic and foreign investments have dramatically increased, resulting in circular economic performance and a strong potential to serve regional markets. As energy transition is a key priority, this model also promotes renewable energy policy by shifting from fossil fuels to depleted oil and gas reserves, towards green energy efficient sources and strengthening long-term greenhouse gas emission reduction in 2050 [6]. This is also known as Thailand's low carbon society (LCS) initiative, emerging to reduce carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions in the country [7].…”