Natural gas fuels growth

Thailand's energy sector continues to evolve as efforts are made to meet growing domestic gas demand. With the official estimates for economic growth at 5.2% for 2002, energy demand, which typically exceeds economic growth rates, is projected to rise by 5-7% a year, writes Paul Hueper

GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES in energy policy include reducing dependence on oil imports, boosting private-sector investment in domestic exploration and production (E&P), increasing gas utilisation, through fuel substitution, and encouraging the use of renewable energy. Fuel switching to natural gas is being promoted, especially for power generation and the transportation sector. The energy ministry is pushing for more natural gas-fuelled vehicles in Bangkok, eventually including city buses, says Viset Choopiban, president of PTT, the newly corporatised Petroleum Authority of Thailand. Demand for natural gas vehicles (NGV) is only 200 b/d, but this is a 350% increase on last year's consumption.