Bio-energy projects in Thailand
By
Ms. Kewalee Kumlue 52051073
Mr. James jingye 53060803
Present
Assoc.Prof.Dr.Namtip Wipawin
1st Semester /2010
Abstract
This report is developed for the purpose of evaluating the challenges in replicating ‘best practice’, community-based rural bio-energy projects in Thailand and identify policy actions that could be undertaken to overcome such challenges. The research was funded by FAO, and developed by Rural and Social Management Institute (RASMI) and ChangeFusion Institute, Foundation for Thailand Rural Reconstruction Movement Under Royal Patronage he, during the period of July - October 2009. In the study, three ‘best practice’ communities are identified, Don Phing Dad village which has adopted recycled bio-diesel and high-efficiency charcoal kiln, Lao Khwan sub-district which has adopted biogas system, and Ta-Ong sub-district which has adopted biogas system and high-efficiency charcoal kiln. Furthermore, 17 replicating communities are also selected in order to evaluate their attempt to replicate the best practice. Replicating communities being selected are composed of 9 communities replicated from Don Phing Dad village, 4 communities replicated from Lao-Khwan sub-district, and 4 communities replicated from Ta-Ong sub-district.
Table of contents
Abstract/Executive Summary
What is Bio energy
The Bio-energy in Thailand
Study Approach and Methodology
Policy Recommendations
Reference
Introduction
Bioenergy is renewable energy made available from materials
derived from biological sources. In its most narrow sense it is a synonym to biofuel, which is fuel derived from biological sources. In its broader sense it includes biomass, the biological material used as a biofuel, as well as the social, economic, scientific and technical fields associated with using biological sources for energy. This is a commomisconception, as bioenergy is the energy extracted from the biomass, as the biomass is the fuel and the bioenergy is the energy contained in the fuel.
Discussion
The Bio-energy in Thailand
Starting from the background of Bio-energy in Thailand, the Literature Review section demonstrates how important Bio-energy is for the Thai communities nowadays. At the very beginning, it points out the problem in Thailand that Bio-energy has been utilized in the less effective manner. Yet, there are still many examples of communities who are making the more efficient and innovative use of Biomass to produce energy. Unfortunately, their success and performance of these “best practices of Bio-energy communities have not been properly publicized or being made better known to the rest of the country. Besides, Bio-energy has been found to provide a diverse range of potential benefits to rural Thai communities. The purpose of this research is to identify the
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key success factors in replicating “best practice” communities, as well as to find out challenging factors in doing so.
Conclusion
Study Approach and Methodology”, provides some additional background and analysis on the case selected together with methods being employed in attaining data. The factors contributing to the selection criteria include the ability to adopt and use bio-energy technology, the diversity both in term of location and technologies being adopted, and self-reliance and financial viability. According to these criteria, the “best practice” communities are identified and selected. The data were collected by conducting in-depth interview with several stakeholders in each selected project, namely group of community leaders, villagers, government officials, and local NGOs. The field surveys were additionally adopted. Non-participatory observation was also employed by the research; to observe how the technologies are used by villagers and how projects are managed in reality.
Recommendations
The main purpose of this section is to recommend policy actions that can facilitate the “conditions” for success of bio-energy projects. In general, according to the study, the issue being addressed most often is a lack of serious attention from related government officials in working together with community. The government should cohesively work with the community in implementing the projects and provide close supervision to the community. Supervision is important because no matter, how much training or budget being provided to the community, it is still unlikely that the community can successfully implement a bio-energy project or even start the project if there is no close supervision. Although the communities are provided with the training, financial and technical supports, it does not mean that all necessary conditions will be met. For example, the training provided may not be so stimulating that training participants reach the state of explosion from within. Or when communities try implementing what they have learned from the trainings in their communities, they will usually face technical problems which, are not covered in the trainings. And unfortunately, they have no one to turn into.
References
Bioenergy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioenergy
Bio-energy projects http://www.rasmi-trrm.org/index.php?lay=show&ac=articleId=539147706
Bio-energy projects http://www.rasmi-trrm.org/index.php?lay=show&ac=articleId=539147706
