Trends of energy intensity and CO₂ emissions in the Thai industrial sector: The decomposition analysis

ABSTRACT

This article investigates the components of CO₂ emission changes in Thai industries by using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) approach. The analyses of historical trends during the period 1990–2007 show the key factors influencing CO₂ emissions. Changes in CO₂ emissions can be decomposed into five effects: activity, structural, energy intensity, fuel share, and emission effects. In this study Thai industries are categorized into nine subindustries: nonmetallic, chemical, food and beverage, fabricated metal, textile, basic metal, paper and pulp, wood and furniture, and others (unclassified) industries. This study considers CO₂ emissions from five fuel types: coal, petroleum, natural gas, renewable energy, and electricity. In 2007, results show that CO₂ emissions increased by 129.3% when compared with the 1990 level. Results also show that the nonmetallic, chemical, basic metal, and fabricated metal industries are the major CO₂ emitters. Finally, results indicate that policy measures on efficiency improvement would result in CO₂ mitigation in Thai industries.

KEYWORDS:

• CO₂ emissions
• decomposition analysis
• industries
• logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI)
• Thailand

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Thailand Research Fund (TRF), the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE) of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), and Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology of Thammasat University (SIIT-TU) for support in this study. The authors also would like to thank Mr. Terrance J. Downey for suggestion of English.

Notes

¹ Baht is the monetary unit of Thailand. 1 USD = 30.23 Baht in 2011 (BOT, 2011).