Thailand - Making transport more energy efficient : Main report (English)

The recent rapid increases in global oil prices seriously impacted world economies. Despite a more recent price decrease, many countries are aiming to transition to more energy efficient technologies, production processes and logistics. Recognizing that... See More + The recent rapid increases in global oil prices seriously impacted world economies. Despite a more recent price decrease, many countries are aiming to transition to more energy efficient technologies, production processes and logistics. Recognizing that the transition will take time and new investment to accomplish, policy makers in Thailand, as in many other countries, wish to develop a more resilient and sustainable economy that is better equipped to deal with oil price shocks and a possible sustained long-term real increase in the price of energy. Improved energy sustainability is an imperative for Thailand's national energy security and continued economic prosperity. To achieve the goal of sustainability on the energy supply side, it is recognized that the country's energy mix must be diversified by developing more renewable and alternative energy options. On the energy demand side, great potential exists for energy efficiency improvement, particularly in the manufacturing and transport sectors, the two largest consumers of energy in Thailand. In the manufacturing sector, there is a consensus that improved energy efficiency can be achieved by encouraging upgraded technologies and processes, and by applying appropriate pricing and incentives. However, there has been no clear strategic direction for the transport sector. At present, high logistics costs, heavy traffic congestion in Bangkok, and capacity shortages in some interurban transport corridors are constraints on the economy. These problems could be compounded by future supply shortages and price increases of fossil fuels on which the transport sector is heavily dependent. Therefore, a clear strategy for efficient transport and energy use is needed, taking into account the complementary benefits of reduced global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and local air pollution.  See Less -