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Association Overview and Objectives
The Energy Efficiency Development Association (EEDA) was established in 2001 to expand markets for energy efficiency products and services in Thailand. The main objectives of EEDA are to increase awareness of the Thai efficiency industry's contribution to economic development and job-creation, provide forums in which energy efficiency and conservation businesses can market their products and services to energy consumers, and encourage energy efficiency companies to assume a greater role in the development and implementation of energy conservation policies and programs in Thailand. The Association will also enhance cooperation and understanding between its members and other stakeholders, such as end users and government institutions.
EEDA is actively involved in a range of issues and activities, including:
- Improving existing energy policies and programs;
- Developing and supporting new energy policies and programs;
- Building expertise and capacity within the energy efficiency industry;
- Enhancing energy efficiency industry credibility;
- Improving access to project funding;
- Raising consumer awareness; and
- Facilitating networking.
The Association’s main objectives are to promote energy conservation and efficiency policies, government-sponsored programs and technologies to create job opportunities as well as rapid economic expansion and environmental development for Thailand. EEDA seeks to promote and enhance the Thai Government’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Funds, Policies, and Programs as outlined below:
- Supporting efficient implementation of compulsory regulations for “Designated Facilities” by DEDE;
- Cooperating with Thai governmental and non-governmental agencies to implement monitoring and verification protocols for Thailand;
- Advocating for improved energy efficiency and renewable energy financial incentives for Thailand, in cooperation with various stakeholders;
- Increasing the adoption and implementation of cogeneration in Thailand;
- Advocating for improved efficiency within the transportation sector; and
- Advocating for Government policies and incentives that encourage local manufacturers to produce energy efficient industrial and commercial equipment.
Significant 2001-2003 Activities
Since its inception, EEDA has been on the forefront of promoting energy efficiency and renewables, educating energy end-users and providing technical assistance to both the public and private sector. Significant activities during the timeframe of 2001-2003 include:
· Cooperating with DEDE and Participating Financial Institutions on Promotion of RLF
EEDA has been actively involved in the development and promotion of the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency’s (DEDE) Revolving Loan Fund for Energy Conservation (RLF), providing suggestions to DEDE on developing fund criteria, and encouraging potential customers to borrow from the fund. EEDA participated in numerous events coordinated by DEDE, Bank Thai, IFCT and other financial institutions participating in the program. EEDA members also joined key representatives from DEDE and Bank Thai in visiting the US as part of a study tour sponsored by USAEP in 2001 to expose the Thai delegation to the United States’ experience in the implementation and administration of energy-efficiency funds; development of federally-sponsored energy-efficiency initiatives, such as the Energy Star and Federal Energy Management Programs; and the critical role of NGOs in the promotion of national energy-efficiency policies. The study tour provided DEDE with the skills and ideas to more effectively implement the final stages of the US$ 50 million revolving loan fund, and the other participants with the knowledge to become better advocates for the development of energy-efficiency programs and policies in Thailand.
The RLF is already projecting annual energy savings of 74 million kwh /year for industrial facilities participating in the program, and 5 million kwh/year for buildings.
· Providing Guidance to the Thai Parliament’s Committee of Science and Technology Energy Subcommittee
The Thai Parliament’s newly created Energy Subcommittee under the Committee of Science and Technology invited EEDA to attend their meetings and provide support and guidance on current and future energy efficiency and renewable policies and programs being developed in Thailand. Throughout a series of meetings in 2003, EEDA provided the Subcommittee with technical assistance on many topics, including tax incentives for energy efficiency and renewables and net-metering.
· Promoting Cogeneration in Thailand
Since its inception, EEDA has been actively promoting the increased adoption of cogeneration in Thailand by organizing and speaking at seminars, roundtables, and numerous national-level events. Due to these efforts, cogeneration projects became eligible under DEDE’s Revolving Loan Fund for Energy Conservation. EEDA also opened up a public-private dialogue on cogeneration between Thai Government agencies such as PTT and DEDE and private sector companies. Partly due to EEDA’s efforts, cogeneration is now adopted as one of the country’s national strategies for energy efficiency development.
· Educating End-Users on the Benefits of Saving Energy
v National Engineering Week
During Thailand’s National Engineering Week, EEDA held a two-day seminar on “Energy Conservation Measures for Thailand.” More than 90 people attended the event, which highlighted presentations by EEDA members on such topics as the status of energy efficiency in Thailand and comprehensive energy saving strategies for industry. The two-day event concluded with panel discussions by Thai public and private participants on cogeneration and practical energy conservation measures.
v CPIE Industrial Seminars
EEDA co-organized two seminars in 2002 with the Cleaner Production for Industrial Efficiency Office in Samut Prakarn (CPIE) and the Alliance to Save Energy to educate energy managers and engineers from industrial facilities in Samut Prakarn and the Bang Poo and Bang Pli Industrial Estates on the importance of saving energy and money in their facilities. The seminars brought in more than 500 attendees from over 350 companies.
v Seminars for Compulsory Building Owners
EEDA organized a series of seminars for compulsory building owners on “Non-Investment Energy Solutions,” focusing on no- and low-cost energy efficiency improvements for buildings that fall under Thailand's compulsory part of the ENCON Programme, brought in CEOs, CFOs, managers and engineers from commercial factories and buildings, hotels, residential buildings, government and financial institutions.
v APEC Investment Mart
EEDA partnered with USAEP, the State of Oregon's Office of Energy, the Bonneville Power Administration, and the Council of States Governments to organize a one-day forum on “Energy for the Future from Oregon” at the APEC Investment Mart on October 17, 2003 at Impact Muang Thong Thani. Presented topics included: new energy & efficiency technologies, small scale solar power systems, green building systems, new lighting systems, micro turbines, energy storage, carbon offset project opportunities, alternatives to new generation and transmission lines.
For information on additional EEDA activities and upcoming events, please visit EEDA’s website at http://www.eeda.or.th/home.php, or contact Alliance Senior Program Associate, Roopa Kamesh, at 202-530-4353 or rkamesh@ase.org
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