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The nexus between trade openness and energy demand is hot topic of discussion among academicians and researchers, and numerous studies are available in existing literature while investigating the nexus between trade openness and energy demand. This paper explores the relationship between energy consumption, trade openness and economic growth in case of Thailand. In doing so, we have applied Bayer and Hanck cointegration approach to test whether the long run relationship exists between the variables. Our results confirm the presence of cointegration between the variables. Energy consumption stimulates economic growth. Trade openness adds in economic growth. The causality analysis reveals that energy consumption Granger causes economic growth and in resulting, economic growth Granger causes energy consumption. Trade openness and energy consumption are interdependent i.e. trade openness Granger causes energy consumption and in return, energy consumption Granger causes trade openness. This paper openness up new directions for policy making authorities in Thailand to design a comprehensive energy and trade policies to sustain economic growth for long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thailand is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. The utilization of energy resources is the main source of CO2 emissions. Thus, restructuring current energy system is essential for the realization of low-carbon futures. Efficient and rational implementations of low emission reduction strategies and policies require application of energy system models that have the ability to estimate the baseline energy demand and CO2 emissions, and to explore technical and economic effects of different strategies over time. This paper reviews and discusses the perspective of low-carbon energy systems in the case of Thailand. It analyzes the projected development of energy system in Thailand. The literature on modeling of energy systems is analyzed and discussed. The paper presents a quantitative comparison of the selected energy model applications in terms of energy demand and energy-related CO2 emissions. The paper explores the potential pathways using findings from existing modeling studies to guide the development of a low-carbon energy system within a backcasting framework. It is found that there are wide ranges of projected emissions paths across the models. The findings suggest that there is sufficient technical potential to achieve a low-carbon target by 2030. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, the implementation of biogas technologies in animal farms in Thailand and the government policies used to promote these technologies are presented. The Thai government has created a goal of achieving 14% of all energy needs from renewable resources by 2022. As a renewable technology, biogas has the potential to reduce Thailand's dependence on fossil fuels which make up over 90% of Thailand's electricity generation. An unfortunate by-product from animal farm waste is the greenhouse gas, methane. The benefits from capturing and utilizing this gas include increased electric generation, less odor in the local community, less greenhouse gas emissions, more revenue for farmers and production of raw fertilizer material. Thailand has the potential to produce over onebillionm3 of biogas per annum from its agricultural industry alone. Current utilization is only 36% of this potential. This paper will briefly discuss the technology used to capture and use biogas from animal farms in Thailand. The effect of government policies on this technology deployment shall be discussed. This paper demonstrates how technology and policy need to work together in order to best provide a practical solution for energy problems. In 2012, greenhouse gases worth 1400Gg CO2 equivalent were saved from entering the atmosphere from animal farms in Thailand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper assesses future electricity generation portfolios in Thailand in 2030 given uncertain future fossil-fuel prices, carbon pricing policies, electricity demand, and capital costs. Thailand faces challenges for generation investment given its rapid socio-economic progress and fast growing demand. A novel generation investment and planning decision-support tool which incorporates a Monte Carlo extension to conventional optimal generation mix methods combined with portfolio-based analysis techniques, is used. The tool can formally assess tradeoffs between expected future generation costs, cost uncertainties, and CO2 emissions for the range of different generation portfolios. Results highlight that different levels of future carbon pricing will have significant impacts on the most appropriate generation portfolios. The impact of carbon pricing, however, is not on the appropriate proportion of combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT) in the mix but, instead, on the future role of coal versus nuclear in Thailand. Compared with the current proposed 2030 generation mix, it is possible that there are other generation portfolios that offer lower expected costs, cost uncertainty, and CO2 emissions depending on future carbon pricing. Results suggest that this investment decision-support approach may have value for electric utilities and policy-makers contemplating significant generation investments under high future uncertainty and conflicting policy objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cassava is one of the most important crops in Thailand as it is one of the most feasible feedstock for ethanol production to help meet the target set by the Renewable Energy Development Planning (REDP) of 9 million liters per day by the year 2022. That target is very ambitious and will need a considerable amount of feed stock to supply ethanol production. So this paper aims to study factors determining demand, supply, and price of cassava in Thailand for both food and fuel and to observe it''s effect on ethanol production targets. The analysis utilized time-series data for the period 1989-2009 in order to estimate the model parameters by means of the Two-Stage Least Squares method. The results of this analysis found that in recent years the share of ethanol production has increased continuously as has cassava production. Factors affecting supply of fresh cassava are the yield and the land area cultivated. The cultivated land utilized is also affected by the land area cultivated in the previous year and the price of cassava roots in the previous year. On the demand side, cassava products such as chips, pellets, and starch are affected by their wholesale price, competitor''s price, and policy implementation. Factors affecting cassava root price are the wholesale price which itself is affected by the supply whereas factors affecting cassava product price are it''s export price, cassava root price, and policy implementation. However, no significant effect on ethanol production in Thailand can be observed as a result of cassava price variations. In order to meet targets set by REDP, the demand of ethanol production should be seriously considered. The demand and supply models of cassava are useful to predict cassava prices when cassava demand goes beyond ethanol production. This model should highlight the important implications for Government in decision-making on agricultural and energy policies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Industrial demand accounts for about 30% of total final energy demand in Thailand, which experienced rapid increases in energy demand in the past two decades. This paper analyzes the changes in industrial energy demand over a period of 20 years from 1981 to 2000 by considering changes in demand pattern, fuel consumption and energy intensities. It identifies the factors affecting the energy consumption by employing the factor decomposition technique using Laspeyres approach. It is found that the share of food and beverage industry declined in terms of value addition and energy demand, while the shares of chemical and non-metallic minerals industries have increased. The energy intensity of industry has followed a U-shaped curve but post-1997, the trend is upward looking. At the overall industry level, the activity effect was the major factor affecting energy demand, followed by the energy intensity effect. Changes in the food and beverage industry and non-metallic industry have significantly influenced the energy demand of the industrial sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper analyses the energy situation in Thailand. Information on past and present use of energy is presented, particularly on biomass energy. Biomass technologies currently being promoted and estimated resource potential, including projections for the years 2005 and 2010, are also briefly explained. National initiatives to promote the use of renewable energy technologies, especially biomass energy technologies and the institutional framework, are reviewed and presented. Finally, barriers to the promotion of biomass energy technologies are analysed and discussed, followed by recommendations and measures to overcome these barriers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Asia’s largest biofuels producers are currently Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, China and India. This paper first examines the current status of biofuels in these countries, including the national development targets, strategies, incentives and policies. It then identifies the fundamental driving forces behind the development and promotion of these industries and considers their economic, social and environmental impacts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]