Plans for lower ethanol, bio-diesel use

BANGKOK, June 19 (TNA) -- The Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency has announced that it has plans to lower local alternative fuel (ethanol and biodiesel) usage after EVs (electric vehicles) electric rail networks becomes established. Praphon Wongtharua, the director-general of the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) said that they were in the midst of reviewing their Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP) so that it fits better with the new National Power Development Plan which it expects to be finalised in September of this year. Mr Praphon stated that in all likelihood alternative fuel production targets will be reduced form an earlier 2026 target that set ethanol production at 11.3 million litres/day and biodiesel at 14 million litres/day. This corresponds with a projected slump in demand from the transport sector as a result of the government's plans to promote greater use of EVs and the national electric rail network. Also recent consumption figures have shown no decrease in fuel usage which the department attributes to the volatility of global fuel prices. As such, the department will also need to adjust its 2015-2026 Energy Efficiency Plan to better reflect the current situation. Mr Praphon added that on the 28th of this month, a meeting of the alternative energy transportation reform committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong will be held to review the national transportation energy conservation plan. (TNA)