Private-sector power generation in Thailand : potential, impediments, and policy issues-final report

This study: (1) assesses the sector"s potential for non-utility power generation, including such options as industrial cogeneration, agricultural waste-based energy systems, and large-scale systems using domestic fossil fuels; (2) reviews existing power sector institutions in Thailand and analyzes the major issues and impediments associated with private sector power generation; and (3) based on U.S. experience, describes possible approaches to establishing the price of non-utility electricity. Major points include the following. (1) The economically attractive potential for private sector power generation in Thailand from cogeneration and small-scale generation systems using indigenous energy resources is about 1,035 MW over the next 10 years, of which about 725 MW could be produced at prices comparable to utility prices. (2) The RTG needs to develop policies governing private sector power generation and its relationship to the utilities. (3) A more detailed assessment is needed of the potential and problems associated with power generation from bagasse and rice husks (which together could generate over 415 MW of power by the year 1996). Included are three technical appendices, a glossary, and a bibliography.