End of fossil fuel is near: industry

[webfact]

End of fossil fuel is near: industry

By PRATCH RUJIVANAROM 
THE NATION 

 

 

DESPITE INVESTMENT IN COAL, CLEAN ENERGY IS GAINING MOMENTUM
 

RENEWABLE energy is gradually growing in prominence and will be the main source of power in the future for Thailand and internationally, according to industry experts.

 

This is despite US President Donald Trump’s U-turn against the global trend towards clean renewable energy by supporting coal and other fossil fuels, and the Thai government’s plans to build more coal-fired power plants.

 

The leaders of renewable energy businesses in Thailand said renewable energy had a bright future in the country, as the costs were decreasing and availability was expanding.

 

BCPG Public Company Limited president Bundit Sapianchai said the cost of renewable energy was getting lower, and it was becoming more reliable and accessible. He said he was confident that “clean” energy would be the main source of power in the future.

 

“In the past few years, we have observed the rapid growth of renewable energy everywhere, including in Thailand, as investments in renewable power are two to three times higher than the new investment in fossil fuels and nuclear energy,” Bundit said.

 

“There is still plenty of room for renewable energy to grow, as the technology is progressing, making electricity generation from wind, solar and geothermal sources cheaper and more reliable.”

 

He added that this meant a bright future for his company, adding that BCPG would continue to invest more in renewable energy in Thailand and beyond. Currently, BCPG has invested in 11 solar power projects in Thailand, which have an overall capacity of 191 megawatts. The company also operates renewable energy power plants in Japan and Indonesia, and has opened a wind farm in the Philippines this year.

 

Bundit said recent governments had shown a supportive stance towards renewable energy in Thailand. But he suggested that there should be improvements to regulations to enhance investment in the clean-energy sector and eliminate legal obstructions.

 

He praised recent changes had made it easier to install solar panels on roofs. 

 

“The solar rooftop liberalisation policy is a very good start,” he said. “But there should be more supportive policies, such as power line privatisation, so we can push forward the new power generation trend – and we will have no need to build large, controversial fossil-fuel power plants.”

 

SPCG Public Company Limited chief executive Wandee Khunchornyakong Juljarern said that the market for small-scale solar power generation was very active, as many business operators had purchased solar rooftop systems from her company to reduce both their carbon footprint and their power bills.

 

“Many business operators are very keen to invest in small-scale renewable power generation to reduce their business costs and show the public that they are concerned about the environment,” Wandee said.

 

Her customers had reported that the use of solar rooftop panels had reduced their power bills by half, she said.

 

Wandee added that the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation supported the installation of solar rooftop panels to lower carbon emissions.

 

“The future of power generation is small-scale renewable energy like this, and I can confirm that the era of fossil fuel is ending,” she added.

 

Meanwhile, the head of the Climate Investment Fund Mafalda Duarte, who has observed the situation in Thailand since 2000, said the country had progressed very well in the development of renewable energy. “We have found that at first the banks in Thailand were sceptical about this kind of investment, so we had to come in and give financial support to investors. However, we have seen that the banks have more confidence in renewable energy and everything is going well in Thailand,” Duarte said.

 

“Not only do I find that renewable energy is getting more popular in Thailand, but also that local people gain many benefits from renewable energy development, as their quality of life is improved and the clean environment is preserved.”

 

However, she suggested that the government should have a more firm policy towards renewable energy, noting that it still supported fossil fuels and was not very keen to push forward the transition to renewable clean energy.

 

According to Power Development Plan 2015, Thailand has pledged to increase the portion of renewable energy to 20 per cent in 2036 from the current 8 per cent. Nevertheless, the portion of energy generation from coal will still be 25 per cent in 2036.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30328778

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-10-09

[halloween]

A nice little lightweight industry release, without any of the negatives and not a single informed question. Such as, why doesn't he include hydro-generation in the renewables industry? Such as, where does the energy for grid control come from, as the uncontrolled inputs fluctuate, and the sun goes down? Such as, why do the countries with the most renewable energy have the highest electricity cost?

Edited October 8, 2017 by halloween

[ezzra]

I be inclined to take this statement more seriously and pay more heed

to it in say, 20-30 years from now? only than it will be more relevant....

[canuckamuck]

Also not taking into account the fossils fuels and resources involved into the creation of solar panels, which last only a few years and need to be replaced. Causing more waste and a new demand for resources.

[tomwct]

This won't happen in my Lifetime! No ones going to give up their gas cars for a little electric golf car "cart"! Can you imagine loading the family into a mini electric for a 500 mile journey with three (3) stops for their tor recharging? Never happen! California with the most electric cars on the road, which isn't many, has electric cars for sale at 80% discount

to their original list price. A 4 year old Nissan Electric @ $4000 US from the $28000 List. Was listed for sale 2 weeks ago. Anyone want to buy electric? No thanks!

[zakk9]

2 hours ago, canuckamuck said:

Also not taking into account the fossils fuels and resources involved into the creation of solar panels, which last only a few years and need to be replaced. Causing more waste and a new demand for resources.

Solar panels that are made today have a life expectancy of 25 years, and it's increasing steadily. Energy for the production of solar panels increasingly comes from.... guess what: solar panels.

 

While Thailand is not at the forefront of this development, it's happening here too. Very many factories in Thailand have their roofs covered with solar panels, and there are several, but still experimental, solar power stations running in Thailand. What is lacking is an infrastructure for charging of electric cars like we see in many European countries.

 

The leader is of course China, where the output from solar power stations increased 80% just the first quarter of this year:

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/china-solar-power-output-increase-80-per-cent-three-months-renewable-energy-source-a7719021.html

 

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-40341833

 

Edited October 9, 2017 by zakk9

[wprime]

2 hours ago, canuckamuck said:

Also not taking into account the fossils fuels and resources involved into the creation of solar panels, which last only a few years and need to be replaced. Causing more waste and a new demand for resources.

This was a good point 10 years ago but solar panels are more efficient and long-lasting now.

[anon467367354]

I wouldn't bank too seriously on solar especially when there is a program called Solar Radiation Management (SRM) aka part of the chemtrail geoengineering program which Thailand has no control over. I don't even know if Thailand knows who's operating those tankers day and night spraying aerosols over the Kingdom. The amount of sunlight has already been greatly reduced, probably 20-25% if not more at times, so how is solar a good idea when you can't control those controlling your weather?

[Muhendis]

51 minutes ago, zakk9 said:

Solar panels that are made today have a life expectancy of 25 years, and it's increasing steadily.

One small caveat to add to this is that solar panels still give 80% of their original output at 25 years. This used to be 20 years not so long ago.

As far as night time running is concerned there is the redox or flow battery with a similar life expectancy of the solar panels. Redox batteries can be very very big.

 

[likewise]

hmm, guess that's why in Krabi the government is going ahead with their coal plant 

[scotchonrocks]

With battery technology the focus of big R&D budgets puts battery costs on the same price decline curve as solar PV has seen. The lowest cost of electricity (LCOE) now demonstrably comes from renewables.The LCOE calcs INCLUDE the cost of all required backup and storage needed. The renewables revolution has just started and judging early adopter countries with higher power costs is to ignore the rate of cost declines the RE industry is seeing today. Coal fired power is unfinanceable and who is going to invest in the more costlier solution in any investment scenario? Reliability due to decentralised generation and improved n+1 factors will improve when compared to the larger scale conventional base-load generation philosophy.  Things in this space are moving very quickly and the power generation landscape is going to surprise everyone especially the policy makers who find difficulty in the race to keep up.

Edited October 9, 2017 by scotchonrocks
Missed a ? Mark out

[farang62]

WE make them and they are expensive to buy, ROI is not good at the low cost of power here in Thailand.

Solar cell technology has a long way to go to make a efferent, reliable cell. The other component is Batteries, again a long way to go, but getting better due to increased demand for battery powered devices, like cars.

 

Look at the electricity grid, power generation in general, the biggest problem is Distribution, losses are tremendous and in most places the installations questionable at best.

 

Just look outside  up and down the roads, you don't need to be an engineer to see the obvious problems.

They will develop over time due to lack of proper installation and use of shoddy materials and untrained contractors. Its not about the power it's about getting it to the consumer in a safe and reliable manner.

[janhkt]

1 hour ago, gr8fldanielle said:

I wouldn't bank too seriously on solar especially when there is a program called Solar Radiation Management (SRM) aka part of the chemtrail geoengineering program which Thailand has no control over. I don't even know if Thailand knows who's operating those tankers day and night spraying aerosols over the Kingdom. The amount of sunlight has already been greatly reduced, probably 20-25% if not more at times, so how is solar a good idea when you can't control those controlling your weather?

How about we keep the discussion to facts and avoid conspiracy theories? Jesus christ almighty. The next thing will probably be a flat earther coming by.

[farang62]

spraying aerosols over The Kingdom?? to what end, who?

First i have heard about this!

[janhkt]

3 minutes ago, farang62 said:

spraying aerosols over The Kingdom?? to what end, who?

First i have heard about this!

Google "Chemtrails" and enjoy the lunacy.

[farang62]

http://www.srmgi.org/what-is-srm/

interesting theory, over Thailand?? Would like to know more about this unproven technology.

 

[Muhendis]

24 minutes ago, janhkt said:

How about we keep the discussion to facts and avoid conspiracy theories? Jesus christ almighty. The next thing will probably be a flat earther coming by.

It is init?

[Sakeopete]

The future problem with solar energy will be the lack of revenue going to PEA. I doubt most people will be able to completely do away with their reliance to the grid. Hospitals, schools and businesses certainly will not be able to generate enough for themselves. With less revenue from home owners how will the PEA pay for maintaining the grid? We still need it no matter how much electricity is used.

[Khunbilly]

Meanwhile, Thailand’s appetite for natural gas is insatiable. 

What will happen when everyone has their own solar panels and storage batteries? When those batteries get old and are disposed of, will they be disposed of properly? I doubt it. Most used batteries go right into the landfill. 

We talk of our carbon footprint right now. One day we will talk about our toxic waste footprint. 

[lvr181]

7 minutes ago, Muhendis said:

It is init?

Nah, don't be silly - it is a planet that we cannot see!  

 

 Nothing personal.

 

[lvr181]

Just thinking (as a fossil/elderly) with the earth's increasing population surely there will be an increase in 'fossil' fuel? 

[guzzi850m2]

2 hours ago, Khunbilly said:

Meanwhile, Thailand’s appetite for natural gas is insatiable. 

What will happen when everyone has their own solar panels and storage batteries? When those batteries get old and are disposed of, will they be disposed of properly? I doubt it. Most used batteries go right into the landfill. 

We talk of our carbon footprint right now. One day we will talk about our toxic waste footprint. 

Not car batteries, you can get a coin or two for your old battery when you buy a new one at a car battery shop.

 

A friend of mine is getting solar panels fitted on his house roof as you can now sell excess generated power back to the grid.

[impulse]

36 minutes ago, Sakeopete said:

The future problem with solar energy will be the lack of revenue going to PEA. I doubt most people will be able to completely do away with their reliance to the grid. Hospitals, schools and businesses certainly will not be able to generate enough for themselves. With less revenue from home owners how will the PEA pay for maintaining the grid? We still need it no matter how much electricity is used.

 

Not too tough to separate production of electricity and transmission to put the revenue where it belongs.  They've been doing it elsewhere with electricity, and have a decades long model with gas and oil pipelines.

 

[impulse]

3 minutes ago, guzzi850m2 said:

A friend of mine is getting solar panels fitted on his house roof as you can now sell excess generated power back to the grid.

 

Check out several recent articles in BP and other Thai media about recent movement in the laws regarding solar.  Not so simple since the laws are written to favor (surprise, surprise) a few entities in Thailand who get to sell their power to the grid for a lot more than anyone else.   And there are laws against installing solar in some venues to make sure their gravy train isn't interrupted.

 

[impulse]

10 minutes ago, guzzi850m2 said:

Not car batteries, you can get a coin or two for your old battery when you buy a new one at a car battery shop.

 

Bought a new 4,000 (+/-) baht battery for the old pickup last month and got offered 500 baht trade in for the old one.  So I gave it to the security guys at my apartment to garner some goodwill and save myself the trouble while packing for an overseas trip.

[ExpatOilWorker]

It is important to distinguish between dynamic and static energy. Dynamic is cars, trucks, planes, ships, etc which is mainly oil and a small amount of gas.

The grid is static, which is dominated by coal and a bit of nuclear. ALL the hyped up renewals are static and coal is getting hit from 3 sides at the moment; renewals, gas and political pressure based on the environmental impact. 

 

Oil and gas consumption is still growing at a healthy rate and sometime in 2018 we will for the first time consume 100 million bbls/day or about 1,150 bbls ever second 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

[English Engineer]

I actually have a solar system which provides all of our electricity. i.e. no electricity bills. I calculate payback at around 6 years.

 

The point is that sources of renewable energy can be organised into smaller localised units. Reducing the requirement for a large distribution network and the associated losses.

[anon467367354]

1 hour ago, janhkt said:

How about we keep the discussion to facts and avoid conspiracy theories? Jesus christ almighty. The next thing will probably be a flat earther coming by.

let me guess, you're just a troll or just grossly uninformed.

http://www.srmgi.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_radiation_management

[anon467367354]

1 hour ago, farang62 said:

http://www.srmgi.org/what-is-srm/

interesting theory, over Thailand?? Would like to know more about this unproven technology.

 

you could actually look up and see the planes doing the spraying, you could search the Internet for what's going on over Thailand, and there are many pages on Facebook dedicated to Chemtrails over Thailand. You could research the patents for this technology or you can do nothing and call it "unproven technology".

[ExpatOilWorker]

3 hours ago, zakk9 said:

Solar panels that are made today have a life expectancy of 25 years, and it's increasing steadily. Energy for the production of solar panels increasingly comes from.... guess what: solar panels.

 

While Thailand is not at the forefront of this development, it's happening here too. Very many factories in Thailand have their roofs covered with solar panels, and there are several, but still experimental, solar power stations running in Thailand. What is lacking is an infrastructure for charging of electric cars like we see in many European countries.

 

The leader is of course China, where the output from solar power stations increased 80% just the first quarter of this year:

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/china-solar-power-output-increase-80-per-cent-three-months-renewable-energy-source-a7719021.html

 

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-40341833

 

One can only smile or maybe even outright laugh of graphs like the above. If plot is as percentage of total electricity generation in China you will soon see that is accounts for less than 1.5% and it is not even keeping up with the growth in power generation.