Thread: Nation Group joins carbon neutral group

I teach at a science school. I don't teach English.

those poor kids

well...

Do the kids laugh at you?

• Thailand launches hydrogen fuel study at two giant industrial estates

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and six Thai and Japanese partners have launched a study on hydrogen fuel at two Rayong industrial estates as part of Thailand’s transition towards a low-carbon economy.

IEAT governor Veeris Ammarapala said on Tuesday that partners at the Map Ta Phut and Smart Park industrial estates in the Eastern Economic Corridor were studying hydrogen fuel for electric buses and generation of power.

The partners are Bangkok Industrial Gas, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, PTT, Thai Takasago, Toyota Motor Thailand and Toyota Tsusho (Thailand).

Veeris said the study also covers guidelines for clean-energy companies on setting up in the industrial estates and making transactions.

The joint study, which aligns with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model for a low-carbon society, is being supported by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation.

The collaboration also comes under a 2021 memorandum of understanding to adopt clean energy infrastructure for Smart Park and Map Ta Phut.

The first phase will focus on energy infrastructure design for Smart Park covering renewables, hydrogen and clean mobility in the industrial estate, Veeris said.

The results are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions on the estate by up to 73% by 2035.

He added that IEAT and partners are also studying a free energy transmission system, as well as investment promotions for the industrial estate's energy infrastructure.

• New EV policy would maintain and increase level of sales: BOI

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) is planning to propose to the new government that it implements measures to promote the purchase and manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand under the EV 3.5 policy until 2025.

BOI secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said on Wednesday that the EV 3.5 policy would help maintain the momentum of EVs in the automotive market which has been growing thanks to the previous EV 3.0 policy.

The EV 3.0 policy, which exempts taxes for EV importers and provides subsidies for purchasing electric vehicles at a maximum of 150,000 baht per vehicle, is set to expire on December 31, 2023.

However, the funding for EV purchase subsidies will end this September due to increased public interest in electric vehicle purchases, leading to the depletion of the support funds before the end of this year.

Narit said the BOI has discussed the details of the EV 3.5 policy with the National Electric Vehicle Policy Board (EV Board). These largely focus on providing discounts for imported CBU (complete built-up) electric vehicles and setting manufacturing targets for EVs in Thailand.

He said that under the EV 3.5 policy, the government would provide subsidies of approximately 100,000 baht per vehicle for imported EVs from 2024-2025, while car manufacturers would be required to establish EV manufacturing plants in Thailand at a ratio of 2-3 times the number of imports from 2026-2027.

Narit estimates that the EV 3.5 policy will be finalised around November to December, and the new government could implement it from January 2024.

According to the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), some 37,000 electric vehicles have been registered in Thailand in the first seven months of this year. This number is already far higher than in 2022, which saw some 9,600 registrations.

The association expects purchases to continue to rise until the end of the year despite the lack of an EV purchasing subsidy, as importers are still enjoying tax exemptions and fuel prices continue to rise.

“Furthermore, as Thais have become more familiar with EV technology, new buyers will have fewer concerns and that will make their decision easier,” EVAT president Krisada Utamote said.

• Public Health Ministry takes steps towards sustainability

The Public Health Ministry is taking steps towards sustainability by adopting solar power and electric vehicles in a bid to reduce energy consumption and tackle global warming.

The ministry's permanent secretary Dr Opas Karnkawinpong said on Friday that 1,855 agencies under the ministry's Office of the Permanent Secretary have been instructed to install solar panels before the end of this year.

Agencies include Provincial Public Health Offices, District Public Health Offices, regional hospitals, general hospitals and community hospitals, according to Opas.

He added that this move is in line with the ministry's Smart Energy and Climate Action (SECA) policy, which aims to boost energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to global warming.

He expects this move to save electricity costs of 904.35 million baht annually and reduce 99,458 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

"Some 1,261 agencies in 75 provinces are working on installing solar panels," he said.

He added that installation at 508 agencies was already complete with an electricity production capacity of 47,053 kilowatts, saving 243.46 million baht on electricity bills per year and reducing 26,775 tonnes of CO2.

Opas also outlined the ministry's plans for next year, as follows

• All agencies must install solar power as planned, with the aim of reducing 124,093 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year
• Agencies must change equipment to reduce energy consumption by 20%
• Agencies must adopt electric vehicles and charging stations within 10 years
• Improving buildings to save energy and be eco-friendly
• Increasing green areas by 25% of free space
• Adopting guidelines to take care of patients with respiratory and chronic non-communicable diseases, as well as mental disorders, via telemedicine. This move aims to reduce the volume of outpatients at regional and general hospitals by 10% or 1.6 million visits per year
• Adopting the 3R principles (reduce, reuse and recycle) to boost efficiency in wastewater treatment and reduce the amount of solid waste by 30%

The Public Health Ministry will continue working on the SECA policy by setting up committees and working teams to follow up on progress, as well as picking agencies with outstanding performance to serve as role models for others, he added.

South Korean EV manufacturers preparing to plug into Thailand

Manufacturers of electric vehicles (EV) from South Korea have expressed interest in investing in Thailand for the manufacturing of small EVs, motorcycle EVs, and EVs for agriculture, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

About 20 South Korean businesses from the Korea Smart E-Mobility Association (KEMA) and Kang Jong-man, mayor of Yeonggwang-gun, recently met with BOI representatives to discuss EV investment in Thailand, BOI secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said on Friday.

The BOI also invited Thai companies to join the session to discuss future business cooperation, including Panus Assembly Co and Next Point Plc, which are engaged in commercial EVs and buses.

Yeonggwang-gun is South Korea's leading e-mobility city and is the first city where policies were changed to increase EV usage. It now has the highest rate of EV usage in South Korea.

Narit said the meeting helped shape the future of South Korea’s investment in the EV industry in Thailand to cover more products other than passenger cars. These products are, for example, EV motorcycles and scooters, EV for agricultural uses, and two-seater EV.

He added that in the past three years several foreign EV makers have established production facilities in Thailand for the domestic and export markets, such as BYD, Great Wall Motor, Neta, and Benz EQS.

There are still several companies who are in the negotiation process and are expected to file for investment promotion privileges with the BOI from now until early next year, said Narit.

According to the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, about 37,000 electric vehicles were registered in Thailand in the first seven months of this year. Last year, the total was just 9,600.

• Bangkok goes green: MRT’s Blue and Purple lines to be partially powered by solar energy

Thailand’s first major effort to put solar energy to public use was finalised on August 29 with a contract being signed between CKPower (CKP) and Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM).

CKP, a leading producer of electricity from renewable energy in Asean, signed an agreement with BEM, operator of Bangkok’s subway system as well as several expressways, to use solar energy to power trains for the first time in Thailand.

The two parties will combine their knowledge and funds to install a solar energy system on the MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line (Blue Line) and the MRT Chalong Ratchatham Line (Purple Line), covering a total of 71 kilometres and 54 stations.

“This is the first time in Thailand that solar energy is being used to power a rail transit system,” said Thanawat Trivisvavet, CKP’s managing director. “We are proud to be the first power producer in Thailand to enter such a historic deal. The contract also paves the way for the application of solar energy in new industries, and promotes the use of renewable energy in Thailand.”

Thanawat added that the contract between CKP and BEM aims to produce electricity from solar panels to feed MRT trains 45.2 gigawatts, or 12% of the estimated energy that the two lines use. This system should be in place for at least 25 years.

“CKP will use its expertise in renewable energy at the regional level to design, install and maintain the solar power system for MRT trains,” he said. “We hope this project will help set an example for other mass transit operators and push Thailand towards becoming a full-scale renewable energy-powered society,” he said.

Thanawat added that this project is part of CKP’s three-year plan initiated in 2022, in which the company aims to more than double its business by 2024, including increasing the generation of electricity from solar, wind and water from 2,000 to 4,800 megawatts.

CKP’s generation capacity from renewable energy is currently at 93%, the highest among Thailand’s large power producers.

Sombat Kitjalaksana, managing director of BEM, added that by using solar energy to power the MRT trains, the company expects to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by an equivalent of 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

“The collaboration with CKP will also help us achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2065, as well as reduce our electricity cost,” he added.

Sombat said that BEM has prepared a space of 106,000 square metres in six locations to install solar panels to generate electricity. These include the rooftops of train maintenance depots, parking buildings, and BEM’s office buildings.

“This project will serve as a stepping stone for future cooperation between the two companies under a plan to find sustainable power sources to feed the ever-expanding transit system,” he added.

The project’s engineering design is expected to be complete by January next year, and construction will begin shortly after in the following month.

By August 2024, some sections of the Blue and Purple lines will start using solar energy, and the project is expected to generate electricity at full capacity by February 2025.

The MRT Blue Line covers about 48km around Bangkok and has 38 stations. The line passes through several residential and business districts as well as cultural spots.

The MRT Purple Line, meanwhile, connects the northern and western Bangkok covering 23km and 16 stations.

• National carrier vows to adopt sustainable aviation fuel

Thai Airways International (THAI) is embracing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with state support to reduce airline costs and comply with global aviation regulations, all under the theme of sustainability.

Speaking at a seminar on aviation and tourism sustainability, THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri, emphasised the need for the airline to align with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to support sustainable aviation.

The airline will gradually increase the use of SAF, targeting 2% by 2025, 5% by 2030, and 60% by 2050. Using SAF in just 1% of its operations will increase the airline's annual expenses by 1.5 billion baht, and 10% would equate to 15 billion baht. Therefore, the government must promote and incentivize SAF support policies, he said.

Chai also outlined THAI’s sustainability policy, which focuses on three major aspects:

1. 'From planes to planet': How to give back to the planet.

2.' From waste to wealth': Turning waste into a better quality of life.

3. 'From purple to purpose': How to make the airline more purpose-driven and efficient.

He also mentioned Thai Airways’ plans to introduce a new inflight tableware set made from recycled plastic bottles, a sustainable initiative to contribute to reducing global warming.

Mods can this be put in the climate change Thread. We dont need another boring Spamdreth echo chamber.

No

Focus on environmental protection key to enhancing Thai tourism: TAT

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is focusing on ensuring that tourists from around the globe see Thailand in a new light – as a “sustainable destination” that prioritises environmental protection, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaiboon said on Thursday.

The TAT will focus on educating foreign tourists so that they see that the kingdom’s tourism industry is making strides to align itself with the global trend towards greater sustainability.

“Thailand is setting sights on becoming a high-value and sustainable tourism destination to confirm that our tourism industry is not involved in damaging the world,” Thapanee said.

The new TAT governor, who assumed office on September 1, said that the tourism industry has faced challenges from environmental issues. She pointed to wildfires in northern Thailand, which disrupted tourism for months.

“A bad environment discourages tourists from coming back. They view this as a poor-quality destination. To turn Thailand into a quality destination, we need to change the tourists’ perceptions and sustainable tourism is something we long for,” she said.

“Sustainably Now” is part of the TAT’s overall strategy to transform the tourism sector. This also includes “Partnership 360” – boosting alliances in and outside the industry – accelerating the adoption of digital and information technology, and focusing on niche and special-interest markets.

Focus on environmental protection key to enhancing Thai tourism: TAT

The TAT has developed its own Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050.

A recent survey on foreign tourists visiting Thailand found that most respondents identified “meaningful travel experiences'' as the goal of their vacations. The survey was conducted on “free independent travellers” who plan their own trips and prefer to travel alone or in small groups.

Last month, the TAT launched the Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) project. It awards three to five stars to tourism operators that improve their sustainability. Its goal is to get at least 85% of the participating tourism operators to have three to five stars by 2025.

“The TAT may not give the PR or marketing priority to the operators that place no importance on STGs, as opposed to those who take part in the project,” Thapanee said.

The plan to turn Thailand into a sustainable tourist destination has started with a pilot project in five provinces – Phuket, Khon Kaen, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok – to encourage tourist businesses to offer environment-friendly services.

• EGAT aims to boost renewable energy to 30% by 2027

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) is moving forward with its Net Zero initiative, aiming to increase the proportion of renewable energy to 30% by 2027 while planting an additional 1 million acres of forests and investing in 8 million tons of carbon capture.

This move comes in response to concerns about trade imbalances and low-priced imported products affecting Thailand's exports and industries.

Egat is actively driving Thailand towards carbon neutrality by 2050 and achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2065. This strategy, known as Triple S (Sources, Sink, and Support), comprises:

1. Sources transformation: Managing energy production from its origin by increasing the share of electricity generation from renewable sources, modernising the electrical grid, and adopting modern technologies and alternative energy sources for future electricity production.

2. Sink co-creation: Increasing carbon capture through continuous reforestation, involving collaborative efforts to plant a million acres of forests, and exploring carbon capture technologies (CCUS) to capture 8 million tonnes of carbon by 2045.

3. Support measures mechanism: Supporting compensation projects and avoiding carbon emissions through initiatives such as energy-saving labels and promoting the use of electric vehicles.

Egar also plays a role in supporting Thailand's net zero goal by issuing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to help producers and consumers of electricity claim for their use of renewable energy and offset carbon emissions.

Egat's assistant governor of research, innovation, and business development, Warit Rattanachuen, explained that these efforts include transitioning towards hydrogen as a green fuel source and studying the use of synthetic hydrogen from renewable energy or blue hydrogen created through carbon capture and utilisation.

In the long term, Egat is exploring solar satellite technology to harness energy from space without emitting carbon. Additionally, they are actively supporting electric vehicle infrastructure throughout the country to make electric vehicles more accessible and build public confidence in their use.

The REC system in Thailand has seen steady growth in recent years, with 7 million MWh (RECs) registered in 2022 and an additional 4.4 million MWh (RECs) added in July 2023. These RECs can be purchased by organisations looking to reduce their carbon emissions, providing an avenue for those unable to invest directly in renewable energy production to support carbon reduction efforts.

Egat says its mission is to transition Thailand towards a greener, more sustainable energy future, involving both public and private sector collaboration and investment in renewable energy and carbon reduction initiatives.

has anyone even listened to what the chinks, the orcs and the wobbleheads Iare saying about this net zero stupidity, now that they're not hamstrung by having to pretend they agree with us?

their media is saying, europe is dying by suicide, and if they want to kill themselves with this green idiocy good luck to them. we've got money to make.

net zero is a western suicide pact, presented to a bovinely complacent and increasingly woke public as 'hope'.



and as for the thais, they couldnt give a fxck .... and why should they.


and badbreath, give us a well earned break from your incessant preachy cut and pastes.

The public isn’t being told the full truth about the climate threat


Matt Ridley


Patrick Brown, the co-director of climate and energy at the Breakthrough Institute in California, has blown the whistle on an open secret about climate science: it’s biased in favour of alarmism. He published a paper in Nature on the effect of climate change on wildfires.

In it he told the truth: there was an effect. But not the whole truth: other factors play a big role in fires too. On Maui, the failure of the electric utility to manage vegetation alongside power lines was a probable cause of the devastating recent fires, but climate change proved a convenient excuse.

Editors at journals such as Nature seem to prefer publishing simplistic, negative news and speculation about climate change.

“It is standard practice to calculate impacts for scary hypothetical future warming scenarios that strain credibility,” wrote Brown. So, after learning this lesson the hard way when his nuanced papers were rejected, he adapted his latest to suit their apparent prejudices – and it was published.

Nature’s editor, Magdalena Skipper, responded by trying to shoot the messenger, criticising Brown’s deception as “poor research practices”.

One of the biggest measurable impacts of increased carbon dioxide is global greening – the recent increase in green vegetation on the planet.


We have known for years that distinguished scientists who think that global warming is a problem but not a “crisis” get ostracised, cancelled or rejected by peer reviewers. Meanwhile, even the most trivial study that comes to an alarmist conclusion – such as a notorious one that found fish behaviour to be affected by carbon dioxide – gets rushed into print and celebrated in the media. Junior scientists notice and tailor their texts accordingly.

One of the biggest measurable impacts of increased carbon dioxide is global greening – the recent increase in green vegetation on the planet, equivalent to twice the area of the United States and counting. But as I discovered when I broke a story on this in 2015, pointing this out brings a hail of professorial hate down on your head. I was even singled out in a Boston University press release for daring to suggest that more green vegetation might not be bad news.

Brown says that “there is a taboo against studying or even mentioning successes since they are thought to undermine the motivation for greenhouse gas emissions reductions”. The problem is all solutions are taboo. If I waved a magic wand and gave the world unlimited clean and cheap energy tomorrow, I expect many climate scientists would be horrified: they would be out of a job.

Those who argue that climate change is real and a problem, but that other environmental issues are more urgent – overfishing of the oceans, invasive alien species, reliance of poor Africans on bushmeat and charcoal, to name three – are treated as heretics to be persecuted.

It’s not just climate change. The main science journals have been quick to accept the Chinese regime’s insistence that a lab leak could not have caused the pandemic, refusing to publish several papers that argued otherwise and to investigate the issue, while rushing into print half-baked studies that seemed to implicate the seafood market in Wuhan. One such study purported to have found possible evidence that raccoon dogs were infected and was hyped. The total debunking of that study last month by Professor Jesse Bloom was ignored.

you silly believers, you are being manipulated and you are not hearing the whole truth from the academics you fund throigh your taxes.




From many news outlets last week.

.

The author of your Telegraph (right-wing trash) article is Matt Ridley. A climate denier

it says a lot about you that you are unable to tolerate an opinion that diverges from yours.

you say the facts are carved in stone, others say the facts are skewed to reflect the current unproven orthodoxy.

surely, even in landreths bizarre world of endless one sided propaganda, there must be space for an opposing view without it automatically being intolerantly labelled as trash merely because it is sourced from a publication whose position is at odds with yours.

Originally Posted by taxexile

it says a lot about you that you are unable to tolerate an opinion

I listen, but follow the science.

He’s a fvckin’ climate denier and the Telegraph is a right-wing trash publication.

No one should read the awful publication or listen to Matt Ridley or you (climate denier) for that matter.

fvckin' bored wacko

and talking of wackos, are you still posting dozens of ladyboy porn pics every day over on "thailand chatter".

^support?

badbreath, you are an annoying, childish and disruptive prick.

The weather systems are dynamic and no one fully understands the effect of the Pacific upon them. But to attribute the current changes to the global patterns to CO2 emissions produced by human interaction is silly not least because there is no science worth its salt to prove it beyond computer modelling and the flawed extrapolation of data by agencies motivated by dogma, doctrine and self interest.
Sure, the weather patterns are changing, and in time, say another 20,000 years, the polar ice caps will be resurgent and Africa shall be a rather nice venue.
But, in the meantime who gives a fuck, really.