Thailand launches 2050 Calculator to assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions

The Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) of the Ministry of Energy in Thailand and the Government of the United Kingdom have jointly launched the Thailand 2050 Calculator, a bespoke energy and emissions model to assist Thailand in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the country.

The interactive energy model was delivered under the UK Government’s international 2050 Calculator programme, which is funded by the UK’s International Climate Finance, and led by global engineering, management and development consultancy Mott MacDonald, and a consortium which includes Imperial College London, Climact, and Ricardo.

The Ministry of Energy gives priority to supporting the development of climate change related policy. Due to the fact that the energy sector is the main economic sector contributing to relatively high greenhouse gas emissions compared with other sectors, it also has the greatest potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support Thailand in achieving its emissions goal.

The Thailand 2050 Calculator will help EPPO to implement its climate change mitigation plan including monitoring and evaluation of greenhouse gas reduction strategies. The integrated tool will be used to develop energy related policies to improve Thailand’s future greenhouse gas reduction measures. In addition, it will help to enhance EPPO’s potential to analyse energy demand and supply data related to environmental aspects. This includes the development and improvement of the model in accordance with the future context which is likely to be more dynamic.

David Thomas, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Bangkok, said: “We are thrilled to see the launch of the Thailand 2050 Calculator which will support Thailand’s climate leadership with technical tools to develop ambitious policies. Thailand is joining a global community of 2050 Calculators and is the second country in South-East Asia to launch through this iteration of the 2050 Calculator programme, funded by the UK International Climate Finance.”

Wattanapong Kurowat, Director of EPPO added: “Thailand ratified to be part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on 28 December 1994 and has continually implemented policies to support greenhouse gas reductions in accordance with the obligations of the convention. In the 21st session of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties in Paris, France, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha announced Thailand’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20-25% through adopting the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy.

The Ministry of Energy gives priority to supporting the development of climate change related policy. Due to the fact that the energy sector is the main economic sector contributing to relatively high greenhouse gas emissions compared with other sectors, it also has the greatest potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support Thailand in achieving its emissions goal.”