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Energy Efficiency (2016) 9:187210 DOI 10.1007/s12053-015-9357-z
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Benefits of energy efficiency policies in Thailand: an ex-ante evaluation of the energy efficiency action plan
Felix Suerkemper & Johannes Thema & Stefan Thomas &
Florian Dittus & Monthon Kumpaengseth & Milou Beerepoot
Received: 20 August 2014 /Accepted: 18 May 2015 /Published online: 29 May 2015 # Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2015
Abstract The paper presents the results of an ex-ante evaluation of the economy-wide benefits that may be achieved through the implementation of the 20-year Energy Efficiency Action Plan (EEAP) in Thailand. The objective of the EEAP is to reduce energy intensity by 25 % in 2030 compared to 2010. This is to be reached by reducing the projected energy consumption by 20 % or 38 Mtoe until 2030. We have specified an analytical framework, which allows for a calculation of the overall energy cost savings, energy import cost reductions and reduced CO2 emissions. Moreover, we calculated the
induced energy efficiency investments, employment effects and impacts on governmental budget. The evaluation shows that an effective implementation of the plan may lead to a reduction in energy expenditure of 37.7 billion EUR by 2030. Moreover, the EEAP-induced energy savings will significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions as well as Thailands energy import costs and generate private investment in energy efficiency of about 5 billion EUR annually in 2030, which in turn may lead to about 300,000 new jobs. The size of the net impact of the plan on Thailands governmental budget is uncertain due to positive and negative effects on corporate and income tax revenues, expenses for unemployment benefits, governmental energy consumption, expenses for energy subsidies and energy tax income.
Keywords Energy efficiency action plan (EEAP) . Thailand . Economic benefits of energy efficiency. Ex-ante evaluation
Introduction
Over the last few decades, Thailand has experienced a transformation from an agricultural into a semi-industrialised economy (Phdungsilp 2010). As a result of strong economic growth,1 the final energy consumption in Thailand has drastically increased and is expected to rise further in the future (Shresta et al. 2007). The
F. Suerkemper (*) : J. Thema : S. Thomas Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment, Energy, Dppersberg 19, 42103 Wuppertal, Germanye-mail: [email protected]
J. Themae-mail: [email protected]
S. Thomase-mail: [email protected]
F. Dittusindepecon Unternehmergesellschaft, Sixtstr....