Thailand to able to save huge energy in 2016

BANGKOK, March 16 (TNA) -- Energy Minister Gen Anantaporn Kanchanarat is optimistic that Thailand could save energy worth about 4.4 billion baht and help the country to lower import of crude oil amounting 248 million litres annually. A group of private money lenders is willing to extend loans to cold storage room operators and ice making industry to enable them to switch to changing to energy conservation and so far they have requested to borrow more than 200 million baht. Gen Anantaporn said he expected more factories would join the programme because the lenders would offer an interest rate at the maximum of 3.5 per cent and each borrower could ask not more than 50 million baht. He said the government in cooperation with financial institutions would offer a total of 4.489 billion baht in loans which could help save energy worth 4.4 billion baht and lower imports of crude oil at 248 million litres yearly. Areepong Bhoocha-Oom, permanent secretary for Energy, said that some 2,466 ice producers and ice storage room operators are initially enthusiastic to participate in this programme. The Thai Frozen Food Association is willing to act as coordinator with the operators wishing to request for loans, said Mr Areepong. (TNA)