Biomass plants to get higher rates
The National Energy Policy Council yesterday approved an adder rate for power purchase from small biomass-fuelled plants of up to 30 satang per unit for seven years to promote renewable-energy consumption.
Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand said after a council meeting that the new rate would take effect from the start of purchasing commercial power, which will be announced by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. "This is aimed at promoting the most efficient use of resources in the country," he said, adding that it would also help to reduce waste from industrial factories that harm the environment. The approval is in line with the government's strategy for alternative energy. The government wants wastewater from factories to be used as biomass fuel capable of generating power equal to 30 megawatts by 2011. This would be the equivalent of power produced by 14,000 tonnes of crude oil. The council also acknowledged a plan for using natural gas in the transport sector. According to a report, there are now 26,987 vehicles installed with natural gas-fuelled engines, 104 petrol stations that provide NGV fuel and 122 NGV engine installers. In 2011, it is targeted that the number of vehicles with NGV engines should increase to 256,600. "After the end of the promotion, NGV fuel should be able to substitute for petrol at a rate of about 12 per cent, or Bt14.02 billion a year, and diesel at about 24 per cent, or Bt61.72 billion a year" said Piyasvasti.
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