A Wonderfuel New Dawn?
Biofuels have been touted as the answer to all our carbon concerns by some but this bold statement comes from equal caution from others. More recently we have seen the Thai government encourage development of this industry with PM Abhisit Vejjajiva recently telling an Amcham audience that “We will lessen our external energy dependence by developing domestic alternative energy resources such as biodiesel and ethanol, thereby ensuring our energy security.” So how is Thailand placed to take advantage of the thirst for new energy? Voralak Suwanvanichkij investigates.
When prices were surging at the pumps, biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel, were touted as the cornerstone of greener, cleaner energy. Obtained from renewable biological resources, such fuels promised to reduce reliance on oil imports, lower carbon emissions, and promote greater energy sustainability. Not surprisingly, the industry drew support of Thai policy makers, attracted a flow of investment funding, and opened up opportunities for rural development.
Have these forms of alternative energy lived up to the hype? How have the markets developed, and what are their prospects in these trying times?
