Thailand plans to promote biomass energy production

BANGKOK, February 15 (TNA) - Thailand’s Energy Ministry plans to promote biomass energy production in an attempt to further improve environment in Thailand. Areepong Bhoo-cha-oom, permanent secretary for Energy, said the plan would soon be proposed to the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC), chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha. Areepong said under the proposal, the ministry would purchase more power from biomass plants in order to encourage higher production of between 8 – 20 percent or about 500 megawatts nationwide in the next 20 years. Also, a consideration would be made on extending business licences for small power plants producing steam energy, including those operating within industrial estates. The plants had been receiving 20 – 25 year-business licenses and their licences were due to expire soon. The upcoming National Energy Policy Committee meeting could also consider a smart grid project, a power network using high information technology for use in administration, production and distribution of electricity which could generate large benefits. If implemented, it could further boost efficiency on electricity distribution of the three state-run power agencies -- Metropolitan Electricity Authority, the Provincial Electricity Authority and EGAT Public Co., Ltd. -- by enabling them to use a single system and eliminate a loss of electric current upon supply over a long distance. (TNA)