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Journal of Social Sciences

Authors

Yeji Yoo

Publication Date

2015-01-01

Abstract

This paper reviews the policies and practices of renewable energy development and biomass power projects in Thailand. Thailand has allowed private power producers to generate energy from biomass, as an important source of renewable energy, in order to increase energy security and to reduce CO2 emissions. However, some biomass projects in Thailand have resulted in negative environmental effects and social problems, such as air pollution and health problems for villagers near the projects, which thus create environmental injustices. Applying the concept of environmental justice, the research examines impacts and benefits of the biomass project on the environment through a case study in the Roi-Et Province of Thailand. This research also covers how communities, wider societies and the project developers have been affected. A qualitative methodology was adopted to collect various data based on the case study. Project costs and benefits, policy-making processes of the project, and the relations among relevant parties including project beneficiaries, affected villagers and government officers were thoroughly analyzed. This paper argues that renewable energy is not always clean, and that renewable energy using biomass as a fuel will result in environmental injustice problems without proper regulations and good governance by diverse stakeholders.

First Page

21

Last Page

35

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