Energy-saving industrial project

Deputy Industry Minister Piyabutr Cholvijarn said some of the budget would be used in its "Energy Saving for Small Enterprises" (ES for SE) project, starting this year with a budget of Bt170 million.

He said each plant joining the programme would be granted financial support of Bt50,000 from the department.

The department expects the selected plants to be able to save 10 to 20 per cent of their current energy costs, he said.

 The rest of the budget will go towards boosting cooperation with universities, organisations like the Japan External Trade Organisation and Japan Cooperation Agency and automotive firms, in order to transfer their know-how and advanced technology to local operations.

Meanwhile, the department will encourage awareness of environmental issues by encouraging plants to reuse and recycle their industrial waste. Director-general Ratchada Singalavinija said there were 50,000 small and medium-sized plants registered with the department at present.

Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul

The Nation