The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is disappointed at the state's plan to lessen biomass and biogas fuels' contribution in an upcoming power development plan (PDP). The association wants the authorities to maintain or increase the proportion of these materials to make better use of agricultural waste.
The PDP does promote greater use of renewable power, but it emphasises solar energy.
The proportion of renewable energy is set to increase to 51% of the total by 2037, up from 20% last year, with the remainder comprising gas, coal, nuclear energy and new energy solutions to reduce fossil fuel usage and save electricity, according to the PDP.
"It is true biomass must be burned to fuel power plants, but it releases less carbon dioxide than coal and gas," said Natee Sithiprassasana, chairman of the FTI's Renewable Energy Industry Club.
"I view them as fuels that will help speed up the government's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality," he added.
Under the new PDP, the shares of biomass and biogas-derived power will decrease to 1,046 megawatts and 936MW, respectively, by 2037.
The 2018 PDP targets were 5,790MW from biomass and 1,565MW from biogas.
The new targets are too low, though greater use of biomass can help farmers increase their revenue, said Mr Natee.
Using biomass as a renewable fuel can add value to agricultural materials, he said.
Federation of Thai Industries disappointed at reduced biomass focus
