Assessment of greenhouse gas emission in land public bus transport system in Thailand | |
| Author | Tawan Champeecharoensuk |
| Call Number | AIT Diss no.SE-23-04 |
| Subject(s) | Greenhouse gases--Thailand Sustaibable urban development--Thailand Transportation--Environment aspects--Thailand |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Engineering in Sustainable Energy Transition |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Between 2007 and 2020, Thailand experienced a period of profound transformation marked by substantial economic growth and a simultaneous population expansion. These multifaceted developments exerted a profound impact on the nation's transportation sector, catalyzing a plethora of new human activities. This dynamic period witnessed a remarkable increase in public transportation utilization, primarily driven by robust economic growth, population growth, and a surging demand for mobility. The primary aim of this comprehensive research study is to analyze historical trends in energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions, and policies related to achieving near-zero emissions in land-based public transportation, with a specific focus on Thailand's fixed-route bus systems. Within this expansive purview, the study places a particular emphasis on fixed-route bus systems operating within the borders of Thailand. Additionally, our examination extends to conducting a comparative evaluation of emissions between Metropolitan Bangkok and the entirety of the country, with a specific focus on discerning the salient emission hotspots and delineating the principal drivers responsible for these emissions. At the core of our endeavor lies the aspiration to chart an instructive trajectory for Thailand, with a bold vision of achieving near-zero emissions by the year 2065. In the service of this aspiration, our inquiry delves into an array of alternative scenarios, encompassing strategies aimed at curbing fuel consumption and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The period from 2007 to 2020 unfolds as a tapestry of fluctuating trajectories in greenhouse gas emissions and energy demand. In its embryonic phase, commencing in 2007 and continuing until 2011, we observed a notable surge in both emissions and energy demand, marking an 8% increase in the former and a 6% surge in the latter. This surge finds its roots in the undeniable influence of a burgeoning economy, inexorably intertwined with emissions patterns. A dynamic relationship between economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions is evidenced, elucidating the symbiotic interplay between these phenomena. Concurrently, governmental initiatives and the ascendancy of income levels assumed a pivotal role in catalyzing a shift towards greater reliance on public transportation. Furthermore, the relentless expansion of the population was paralleled by a commensurate increase in the fleet of public buses, thereby exacerbating the challenge of emissions management.However, as the temporal spectrum unfolded, a discernible descent in emissions became apparent as we approached the year 2020. This downward trajectory can, in large part, be attributed to a burgeoning fleet of private vehicles plying the nation's roads and the advent of low-cost airlines, factors that diverted a portion of the travel demand away from traditional bus-based transportation systems.Our investigation reveals that, by the year 2020, emissions emanating from the bustling metropolis of Metropolitan Bangkok, Thailand's capital and the epicenter of traffic congestion, accounted for a substantial 15% of the nation's overall emissions originating from fixed-route bus transportation. In the heart of this bustling metropolis, the Rat Thewi district, a significant commercial hub, stood out as a prominent emission hotspot, releasing a staggering 113,058 kgCO2eq of carbon dioxide per day. This concentration of emissions underscores the imperative need for the formulation of localized strategies dedicated to addressing the adverse environmental repercussions of public transportation in Thailand.The research extends its purview to encompass an assortment of policy scenarios devised to assess their efficacy in reducing emissions. Foremost among these scenarios is the Reforming Plan, marked by its zealous commitment to promoting the adoption of electric buses. Comparative analysis demonstrates that this plan holds the most promising potential for emissions reduction, particularly when contrasted with the Business as Usual (BAU) scenario and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Plan. Electric buses emerge as potent instruments in the endeavor to significantly ameliorate emissions patterns over time. Furthermore, our comprehensive investigation undertakes an analysis of alternative scenarios tailored to align with the objectives outlined at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP 26). These scenarios encompass the promotion of electric buses, fuel switching strategies, and fundamental shifts in transportation modes. Among these alternative avenues, the promotion of electric buses stands out as the most robust and efficacious strategy for emissions reduction. It holds the potential to usher in a remarkable 79.34% reduction in emissions by the year 2065. Nonetheless, it is incumbent upon us to acknowledge the intrinsic value of fuel switching, a strategy that not only promises short-term emissions abatement but also offers a commensurate long-term potential, akin to the scenario of modal shifts in transportation. In conclusion, the transformation of Thailand's transportation sector, driven by economic growth and population expansion over the years, represents a compelling narrative. This study is anchored in the rigors of critical analysis, directed towards unraveling the historical tapestry of energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions, and the evolving policy landscape. In doing so, we strive to discern the key drivers and the localized emission hotspots, with a primary lens on fixed-route bus transportation systems. At its culmination, our research aspires to outline a visionary trajectory towards the attainment of near-zero emissions by 2065, underpinned by a diverse array of alternative scenarios. Notably, the promotion of electric buses emerges as a beacon, illuminating the path to substantial emissions mitigation and the realization of a sustainable, ecologically friendly future for Thailand's transportation sector. |
| Year | 2023 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Sustainable Energy Transition (SE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Salam, P. Abdul |
| Examination Committee(s) | Dhakal, Shobhakar;Ekbordin Winijkul;Nuwong Chollacoop |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | RTG Fellow Scholarship;AIT Scholarships |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2023 |