Advancement of renewables in Bangladesh and Thailand: Policy intervention and institutional settings

Abstract

This article reviews and analyses the advancement of renewable sources of energy in Bangladesh and Thailand in terms of policy intervention and institutional settings. Since renewable forms of energy emit far smaller amounts of greenhouse gas compared with fossil fuels, their use should mitigate climate change impacts while contributing to the provision of energy services. The article turns first to a review of energy–environment trends and the potential for renewables in these two nations. It then discusses strategies for the advancement of renewables. It is argued that further significant efforts can be made towards the advancement of renewables in Bangladesh and Thailand. These two nations could also learn from the experience in industrialized nations and other developing nations with regard to requisite policy instruments and processes. A number of barriers remain to the advancement of renewables, especially in terms of policy arrangements, institutional settings, financing mechanisms and technologies. Resources, cooperation and learning are required in order to overcome such barriers and to foster the development of necessary policy measures. Implementation of the clean development mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol, and replication and adaptation of effective strategies from other settings are possible avenues for this.

Towards a sustainable energy future—exploring current barriers and potential solutions in Thailand

“…For example, Thai electricity producers, which historically were state-controlled monopolies, are being partially privatized 23 (EIA 2005;Mulugetta et al 2007;Uddin et al 2006). Prior to recent restructuring, 24 the electricity supply industry was characterized by vertically integrated electricity generation and transmission via the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand 21 By guaranteeing a fixed price based on the learning curve associated with a particular technology, the Feed-in-tariff (FIT) can support various technologies at varying stages of development.…”

“…In the Thai context, development of some renewable energy technologies remains mostly in research, development and demonstration stages (RD&D), for example, with wind energy development (Uddin et al 2006). Unlike fossil fuel technologies, the efficiency and applicability of renewable energy technologies is very site-specific and depends on very heterogeneous natural conditions.…”

Sustainable energy future for Vietnam: evolution and implementation of effective strategies

“…A rapid rise in exports and industrialisation, has accelerated its GDP growth in recent years from 6.8% in 2000 to 7.7% in 2004 [8]. 2 A market-based policy approach towards 'renovation' or doi moi was adopted at the Sixth Party Congress in 1986 where the central government no longer decided development policy and programmes for all levels of government [8,9]. The objective of this economic reform was gradually to transform the country into a socialist market economy through step-by-step procedures [10] and thus make the nation self-sufficient to meet food demand and to improve the living standards of the citizens.…”

“…For example, a renewable energy institution, the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) has been proposed for Bangladesh and the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) has been established in Thailand. These are specialised agencies that are solely responsible for the advancement of renewables [2]. While Vietnam's DNA, NOCCOP (part of MONRE), has been identified for facilitation of renewable energy systems under the CDM scheme, it is important to do more to enhance cooperation with other agencies, ministries, organisations and private groups in order to maximise the benefits of CDM [32].…”

“…Renewable energy systems also offer additional synergistic benefits including income generation and communication and often facilitate basic needs. Sustainable energy systems need appropriate strategies and institutional settings [2,3]. With its fast growing economy and industrialising context, Vietnam could benefit from development and implementation of renewable energy systems to meet its associated fast growing energy and especially electricity demand (in both grid and off-grid locations) and to enhance energy sustainability [4].…”