Around the World in 80+ min with HIA in the Energy Sector - Session I, Presentation 2

HIA and Biomass energy development in Thailand

What role can HIA play in resolving the issues.

Power generation potential of agricultural residues in Thailand

• Bagasse ( byproduct from sugar factories) 900MW
• Rice husk
• RIce Straw
• Sugarcane residue
• Oil palm
  
• ...

 

• Currently only 84 biomass power plants in Thailand, half the total potential capacity, 1,400MW installed capacity. Just under 6% of total electricity from all sources.
• Over 300 biomass plants being planned.
  
• Just under 80 projects withdrawn with 40 moved from small to very small facilities with 36 being abandoned.
• Number of projects and installed capacity peaked in 2008 and has now declined sharply.

What caused the decline?

• Public opposition is the biggest problem because of fears of environmental and health impacts, they don't trust government or the biomass companies, so they don't want these projects.
• Concerns are air pollution, odour, noise, dust and traffic incidents and water resource and sanitation impacts.
• Poor technology and gelatinous - direct-fired no gasification, no regulation for facilities below 10MW facilities.

 

Suggested role of HIA

• Get the public involved
• To identify impacts
• Reduce conflict and create trust and cooperation
• Help develop a healthy a healthy public policy.
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