The Energy and Agriculture ministries yesterday inked the cooperation pact to jointly promote alternative energy. The cooperation covered the creation of human resources, data development and R&D, to achieve the 15-year alternative energy development plan.
Thailand plans to produce 600,000 tonnes per year of biodiesel from palm oil within 2011 and 1.1 million tonnes within 2022. Meanwhile, ethanol from tapioca will be 9 million tonnes per annum within 2022, from 1.5 million tonnes next year.
The Agriculture Ministry will make sure that plantation of the crops meets the target.
Meanwhile, to promote solar power, the ministry will promote the solar-powered water pumps. Within 2022, the solar power used by these pumps located outside the power transmission coverage areas are expected to reach 2,000 kilowatt. The Energy Ministry will supply the pumping system, as well as adedemic supports. Meanwhile, the Agriculture Ministry will investigate the areas where the pumps should be promoted. The project will aim mainly at farmers who need to pump up water for consumption and agricultural purposes.
On wind power, it is expected that wind power will generate 800MW per annum within 2022. While the Energy Ministry will handle feasibility study, the Agriculture Ministry will set out rules and regulations to facilitate the installation of wind turbines on private and government land plots.
On hydropower, the generating of 140MW per annum from irrigation projects is expected within 2022. The Agriculture Ministry will help supply the data on water resources, for the power generating, along side with geographical and geological data.
On bio fuel, 3,700MW and 6,000 kilo tonne crude oil equivalent is expected to be generated from biofuel. The Energy Ministry will set the median price for the power, while the Agriculture Ministry will promote the plantation of fuel crops.
Another 120MW and 600 kilo tonne crude oil equivalent is expected to be generated from biogas within 2022. Waste management in target animal farms will be reorganised to make the full use of biogas.
