National energy plan requires more thought

Thailand has to look at various energy options in order to ensure the sustainability and security of the nation’s power supply. The diversification of energy sources is essential for the country because demand for power is set to rise by 5 per cent annually over the next 10 years, in line with an estimated economic growth rate of 4-5 per cent per annum. 

Therefore, the government must step up its efforts to find new and sustainable sources of energy. But this task will not be easy because the energy issue is sensitive. If local people have mistrust regarding power projects in their localities, power plant operators will find it hard to operate in a hostile environment. The recent incident at Mae Moh in Lampang province is a case in point.

The majority of Thailand’s energy supply comes from non-renewable sources. According to Energy Minister Arak Chonlatanon, natural gas accounts for 70 per cent of fuel used in the Kingdom. But natural gas is not an inexhaustible source. Natural gas supply from the Gulf of Thailand will be depleted within an estimated 15 to 20 years. 

Coal has always been one of the country’s traditional power sources. But this controversial issue requires trust and understanding on the part of the public. On the other hand, the power generating agencies must ensure that the power production process is clean and safe for surrounding communities. The power agencies should increase communications efforts with local people about the necessity to set up power plants in certain areas.

The crisis at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant after the earthquake and tsunami disaster in March last year gives us a telling example of how things can go wrong. It shows that even in a country with one of the highest safety standards in the world, accidents can cause massive damage. The incident prompted the Japanese government to review its nuclear power policy.

In the meantime, the Thai government wants to raise the proportion of power from alternative energy sources from 11 per cent currently to at least one-quarter of the total over the next decade. But this plan will not be realised if all parties involved are not adequately prepared. They must explore the options and educate the public about the need to diversify energy sources to ensure the sustainability and security of energy consumption.

The cost of some kinds of alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power may be higher than traditional fossil fuels. Thus, consumers should be educated about the concept of polluters’ pay. Thai consumers should be aware of the real cost of energy consumption; that the cost of consumption is not only limited to the production cost but the future of sequences that energy consumption can lead to. This includes effects on the environment and people’s health. 

If we do not develop an environmental conscience, the government’s plan will be difficult to implement because people won’t realise the necessity of paying more for alternative energy. Greater understanding of this issue will make energy management and consumption more efficient.

The government needs to come with a “big picture” plan to lay down national energy management in line with the country’s future development. The choice of energy sources must be in line with how the country envisages its future development direction. The increase in energy supply should not merely respond to the rising need, but must come from careful calculation to ensure that every unit of energy is efficiently used and every baht is wisely spent.