Conference article

Small Hydropower Development and Legal Limitations in Thailand

Thanaporn Supriyasilp
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Thailand

Kobkiat Pongput
Water Resources Engineering Department of Kasetsart University, Bangkhen, Bangkok, Thailand

Challenge Robkob
Biodiversity-based Economy Development Office (Public Organization), Laksi, Bangkok, Thailand

Download articlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ecp110572682

Published in: World Renewable Energy Congress - Sweden; 8-13 May; 2011; Linköping; Sweden

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 57:52, p. 2682-2689

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Published: 2011-11-03

ISBN: 978-91-7393-070-3

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Abstract

The northern region of Thailand which consists of the Ping; Wang; Yom; and Nan river basins has potential for small hydropower development. The Ping and Wang River Basins are used as case studies. Apart from technical aspects such as electricity generation; engineering and economic aspects; the socio-economics; environment; law and regulation; and stakeholder involvement aspects are also taking into consideration. There are 64 potential projects in the Ping River Basin. The overall electricity potential is about 211 MW with annual power generation of about 720 GWh. For the Wang River Basin; there are 19 potential projects with about 6 MW and an annual power generation of about 30 GWh. However; most of these potential projects are located in forested areas with legal limitations. The various types of forests can result in different levels of legal obstacles. Therefore; the procedure required for permission is varied and is dependent on both the desired development and the forest in question. The laws and regulations related to project development in forested areas are reviewed and are summarized on a case by case basis in a way that is easily understood and accessible for others to use as a reference for other areas. The suggestions for policy adjustments with environmental friendly consideration are also discussed.

Keywords

Hydropower development; legal limitations; forested area

References

[1] Power Policy Bureau; Energy Policy and Planning Office; Ministry of Energy; Thailand. 25 Mar 2010.

[2] Forest Act B.E. 2484; Royal Thai Government Gazette 58; 73; 1941.

[3] Ministerial Regulations Number 16; B.E. 2498; Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Thailand; 1955.

[4] National Park Act B.E. 2504; Royal Thai Government Gazette 78; 80; 1961.

[5] Wildlife Reservation and Protection Act B.E. 2535; Royal Thai Government Gazette 109; 15; 1992.

[6] National Reserved Forest Act B.E. 2507; Royal Thai Government Gazette 81; 38; 1964.

[7] T. Supriyasilp; K. Pongput; C. Robkob; J. Ruangvichathorn; T. Boonyasirikul; and S. Boonyanupong; Law and Hydropower Project Development in Forested Areas; National Research Council Journal; the Special Edition for Renewable Energy; 2009a; pp. 28-39.

[8] Cabinet Resolution of 28 May B.E. 2528; 1985.

[9] Cabinet Resolution of 15 May B.E. 2533; 1990.

[10] T. Supriyasilp; K. Pongput; and T. Boonyasirikul; Hydropower Development Priority Using MCDM Method. Energy Policy 37; 5; 2009b; pp. 1866 -1875.

[11] T. Supriyasilp; K. Pongput; T. Boonyasirikul; S. Boonyanupong; C. Tuksaudom; and R. Yongprayun; the Study of Potential and Regulation Issues for Hydropower Development in Wang River Basin; NRCT report; 2010.

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