Promoting alternative energy

Australia has shown interest in Thailand's solar power development, seeing the possibility of welcoming Thai investment to Australia, which is known as the land with the world's highest solar power concentration.

According to Krairit Nilkuha, director-general of the Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency Development, who recently had a discussion with Australian Ambassador James Wise and five Australian Members of Parliament led by Sid Side Bottom, the discussion also focused on algae-based fuel research and development as well as carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Thai researchers could be invited to join Australia's attempts to turn algae into fuel and CCS. Australia is the only country in the world which enforces a law to support CCS technology, and a research institute has been set up.

During the discussion, they also exchanged views on alternative energy plans in both countries. Under the Australian Green Energy Act, it aims to increase alternative energy to 20 per cent of consumption in 2020. Thailand also aims to increase the portion to 25 per cent within 10 years.