Thailand far from reaching renewable energy target

Several parties have admitted that Thailand now remains far from reaching its national target of promoting renewable energy, especially gasohol. The acknowledgement was echoed at a seminar on renewable energy organized by the National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC) in Bangkok.
Concerns were expressed over the possibility of Thailand reaching the national renewable energy target of using some 9 million liters (2.3 million gallons) of ethanol and nearly 6 million liters (1.5 million gallons) of biodiesel a day by 2021, as the country produces and uses only 1-3 million liters of gasohol a day currently.
Amnuay Thongsathit, chief inspector-general of the Thai Ministry of Energy, said that the ministry is seeking cooperation from other petrol retailers, apart from state-supported PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) and Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited (Bangchak), to sell gasohol E20. The ministry is also encouraging local motorcyclists to use more gasohol.
Amnuay added that the ministry plans to end domestic supply of 91-octane petrol by January 2013 despite its high demand, as about 500,000 cars, 500,000 motorcycles and a number of farm vehicles cannot use gasohol and the ministry, therefore, plans to compensate motorists. (August 8, 2012)