Marchers oppose coal power plants, call for EIA reform

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Marchers oppose coal power plants, call for EIA reform
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- FIVE representatives from the Protect Krabi Network gathered yesterday to march in Bangkok, demanding an end to the use of coal for power at a new plant planned near the town plus immediate reform of the environmental impact and health assessment process.

The 13km march started from the Pollution Control Department to the Mahidol University's Faculty of Public Health and ended at Chulalongkorn University.

The group also visited the offices of four members of the expert panel picked by the National Environment Board (NEB) to review the environmental impact assessment for the proposed Klong Ruo Coal Seaport, in Krabi, ahead of a review meeting this Friday.

Another walk is planned tomorrow to visit the remaining four members.

"The decision from the expert panel members will affect the future of Krabi - they will determine if the province will maintain its unique environment as the 'Emerald of Andaman' or be under threat from dirty coal plans," network representative Somnuek Krodsua said.

"The seaport's EIA process is not transparent and does not present correct and thorough information, nor incorporate all concerns from every sector. In addition, it neglects the importance of the Krabi river estuary, which is renowned as a global marine biodiversity hotspot and a source of food for local communities," he said.

The Klong Ruo Coal Seaport was planned by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand to find a way of importing coal from Indonesia, Australia and Africa to an 870MW coal-fired power plant. The port lies in Taling-chan subdistrict in Krabi's Klong Kanan district - part of an area listed as one of Thailand's few wetlands of international importance.

Tara Buakamsri, Thailand country director for Greenpeace Southeast Asia urged that the EIA and EHIA process be reviewed and analysed by an independent organisation not under the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning. He said this would facilitate transparency, impartiality and traceability.

"The country's policy-makers should have vision and political will to steer Thailand towards being a renewable energy leader, as well as to develop a decentralised hybrid renewable energy system which provides energy security to the country. Addiction to coal is not the answer to safety and energy security for the nation, it's time for us to end the coal era," Tara said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Marchers-oppose-coal-power-plants-call-for-EIA-ref-30255279.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-04

[Srikcir]

If you're going to import energy resources that essentially cost the same per BTU delivered ebnergy why not chose the source with the lowest environmental impact while having a greater burn-energy ratio? The forced use of coal for a new power plant seems to lack any net benefits compared to LNG for example. An Environmental review would prove this to be the case.

The issue goes beyond what locals believe about the detriments of coal-fired power plants. It goes the to heart of a safe, economic, sustainable energy program. If the Junta government stubornly backs this coal fired power plant, it has zero credibility for a balanced protection of the environment. Unfortunately, Prayut is not one to allow public opinion to affect his policies. They just won't "understand" and will need some attitude adjustment so that conflict can be "resolved."

[Robby nz]

If you're going to import energy resources that essentially cost the same per BTU delivered ebnergy why not chose the source with the lowest environmental impact while having a greater burn-energy ratio? The forced use of coal for a new power plant seems to lack any net benefits compared to LNG for example. An Environmental review would prove this to be the case.

The issue goes beyond what locals believe about the detriments of coal-fired power plants. It goes the to heart of a safe, economic, sustainable energy program. If the Junta government stubornly backs this coal fired power plant, it has zero credibility for a balanced protection of the environment. Unfortunately, Prayut is not one to allow public opinion to affect his policies. They just won't "understand" and will need some attitude adjustment so that conflict can be "resolved."

But then again it could be said that he is listening : http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803864-thai-energy-minister-cancels-21st-oil-concession-bid/

BANGKOK: -- Energy Minister Narongchai Akaraseranee on Thursday endorsed an announcement calling off the 21st round of petroleum exploration and exploitation concession auction.

The cancellation of the bidding is in line with the government’s latest decision to put off the international bidding until the existing Petroleum Act is amended as demanded by civic and energy activist groups.

The National Legislative Assembly has been assigned to amend the 44-year old petroleum law in three months’ time.

The activist groups have contended that they are not against the bidding but they wanted the law to be amended first to ensure fairness and better benefits for Thailand regarding the exploitation of oil and gas of both offshore and onshore.