Key Challenges Facing Thailand in the Context of Global CO sub(2) Emission Abatement

Thailand is not considered a major contributor to global warming, with less than 2% of the total Asian region's greenhouse-gas emissions and less than 0.5% of the total global carbon emissions. By 2030, Thailand's population is projected to reach about 81 million, and urbanization is expected to proceed strongly. The country's economic growth rate is expected to slow to a modest rate of 3.5% for the period 2025 30. Energy-demand projections are developed for the years 2000, 2010, and 2030, using 1990 as a baseline. Demand is shown to be the highest over the long-term in the transport sector, followed by the industrial and commercial sectors. To meet the projected electricity demand, Thailand will have to build a power system with a total installed capacity of around 75,000 MW by 2030. By combining the introduction of higher energy-efficient technology, a shift in energy supply, and a push to improve the efficiency of the transport system, Thailand can expect to see carbon dioxide emissions reduced by 35% under a moderate abatement scenario. Under a stringent abatement scenario, CO sub(2) emission reductions could reach 50%.