Thailand’s alternative energy use on the rise

Thailand’s consumption of alternative energy has been rising, with natural gas for vehicles (NGV) consumption almost doubling in 2010. Thai Department of Energy Business Director-General Pirapon Sakarin said  domestic consumption of NGV rose 62.8%, from 3,500 tons a day to 5,700 and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) up some 25.2% year-on-year, while consumption of petroleum-based diesel fuel and gasoline declined by 0.7%  and 1.8%, respectively. The Energy Ministry said Thailand now heavily relies on imported LPG, and the country’s energy situation will depend on government measures under its new civil development initiative and on whether a new gas separation plant at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in the eastern Rayong Province becomes fully operational. (December 23, 2010)