Effects of carbon tax on greenhouse gas mitigation in Thailand

Abstract

This study analyses energy system development and the associated greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand under a reference case and three different carbon tax scenarios during 2013–2050 using a bottom-up cost-minimizing energy system model based on the Asia–Pacific Integrated Assessment Model (AIM/Enduse) framework. It considers the role of the renewable energy technologies as well as some emerging GHG-mitigating technologies, e.g. carbon capture and storage (CCS) in power generation, and GHG reduction in the country, and found that the power sector will play a major role in CO2 emission reduction. Under the carbon tax scenarios, most of the CO2 emission reduction (over 70%) will come from the power sector. The results also indicate the very significant potential for CO2 emission reduction through a significant change in the transport system of the country by shifting from low-occupancy personal modes of transport to electrified MRTS and railways.