Thailand's RFEC now on its 4th phase

Thailand's RFEC programme has so far received US$163.6 million from the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund and US$158.7 million from commercial banks for 242 energy conservation projects. It is now entering its fourth phase.

Krairit Nilkuha, director-general of the Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency Department, said the previous three phases carried out under the Revolving Fund for Energy Conservation programme had helped reduce electricity costs amounting to US$61.2 million and fuel amounting US$56.79 million annually. They could also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 76.8 million tonnes.

The fourth phrase of the programme is being carried out from this year until 2012 by the Energy Ministry with total investment of Bt400 million. Private operators could borrow a maximum of Bt50 million per project at a maximum interest rate of 4 percent and a seven-year maturity.

Krairit Nilkuha said that the United States Agency for International Development praised the Thai government-sponsored Revolving Fund for Energy Conservation and the Innovative Approaches to Financing Energy Efficiency in Asia programmes as it believed they could also persuade banking institutions to extend more loans to energy operators.

Only two countries in Asia -- Thailand and India – have received praises from the agency, said Mr. Krairit.