Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Nail in coffin for Lao dam?
Oped, Editorial, Published on 28/11/2020
» The government's new stance against the Sanakham Dam on the Mekong River in Laos may be a nail in the coffin of this hydro-powered project proposed by Chinese investors.
Power forums lack spark
News, Editorial, Published on 21/12/2018
» Thailand will soon launch its national Power Development Plan (PDP) 2019-2027, which was put up for debate in public hearings in four regions and Bangkok this month.
Time to take climate action
News, Editorial, Published on 18/12/2018
» The 24th Conference of the Parties to the UN climate change framework (COP24) has ended. With a certain direct sense of irony, it was held in Katowice, Poland, the centre of coal production in eastern Europe. The achievements of the two weeks of meetings, extended past its deadline as usual, are still being assessed. Many key decisions were put off for yet another huge COP, already scheduled to begin in 11 months.
Solar vital to energy plans
Oped, Editorial, Published on 06/10/2018
» With the Energy Ministry having recently set a new target for Thailand to make a gradual transition away from fossil fuels to decarbonise energy generation in the country, recent research by two Harvard University scholars provides useful information for the policymakers. It gives a realistic assessment of the pros and cons of two renewable energy sources -- wind and solar.
Going cold on renewables
News, Editorial, Published on 09/06/2018
» On the surface, the Energy Ministry's reaction to a large blackout on June 1 that affected various parts of the country appeared to be appropriate and well-thought-out, as it vowed to revise certain energy plans.
Scrap coal energy plans
News, Editorial, Published on 27/02/2018
» The government has made an error with its decision to once again kick the issue of coal-fired power plants down the political road. Siri Jirapongphan, the Minister of Energy, has defused the immediate problem of high-profile protests. But getting the anti-coal demonstrators to leave the Bangkok pavement is a side issue. The government still plans to build those coal-fired pollution factories, just a little later than the regime had hoped.
Give power to the people
News, Editorial, Published on 26/09/2017
» The government has once again turned opportunity into needless confrontation over its stubborn stance on energy. Its decision to go ahead with an Egat-run coal-fired plant in Songkhla's Thepa district speaks volumes about the problem.
Consider the alternatives
News, Editorial, Published on 27/04/2017
» The continuing determination of government and energy planners to stick with plans for the Krabi province coal-fired power plant is now developing into a crisis. It is a self-made crisis. Even the most stubborn advocates must admit that plans for coal to make electricity in the South are out of date, out of touch and lacking reality. Instead of turning the problem into a drama, authorities need to get busy with alternative plans.
Pak Bara hearings must be impartial
News, Editorial, Published on 19/03/2017
» The blockade of the first environmental and health public hearing for the planned Pak Bara deep-sea port in Satun that prompted the organisers to postpone the process is understandable. It's apparent that the state, the Marine Department, has failed to win trust from the villagers who are to be affected by the long-suspended project, which was dusted off by the military government shortly after the coup on May 22, 2014, together with other controversial development projects in a bid to boost the economy.
Danger in power plants
News, Editorial, Published on 25/01/2016
» The government's decision to speed up its controversial energy and development programmes is deeply disappointing. It has decided to press ahead with them without consulting the communities involved. It also is determined to bypass many environmental checks. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is employing the draconian Section 44 of the temporary constitution, a doomed provision that will soon expire.