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«“√ “√ √“™∫— ≥±‘ µ¬ ∂“π Chavalit Pichalai 125 ªï ∑’Ë ÛÚ ©∫— ∫∑’Ë Ò ¡.§.-¡’ .§. Úıı Thailandûs Energy Conservation Program and the Role of New & Renewable Energy in Energy Conservation Chavalit Pichalai * Director, Energy System Analysis Bureau Energy Policy & Planning Office Ministry of Energy, Thailand Abstract At present, the private sector has realized the benefits from energy efficiency improve- ment and the use of new and renewable energy. To facilitate energy efficiency improvement, the Thai government has promoted the ESCO Company services especially in large factories and buildings. Moreover, several financial measures have been devised to boost investment in energy efficiency improvement. For new and renewable energy project development, the private sector has taken part in the implementation of a number of projects, such as the implemen- tation of biogas technology for power generation in livestock farms and for wastewater treatment in agro-industry factories. With the government policy determined to reduce energy demand and dependency on energy imports through various strategies and measures, it is hoped that the national energy security will be strengthened, and hence sustainable development of the country and the well-being of the people. Key words : energy conservation, new and renewable energy, sustainable development 1. Background and Rationale Recognizing that energy is an important factor to the economic and social development of the country and given the high vola- tility of world oil prices together with the unpredictable political tension in major oil exporting countries, especially Iran and Nigeria, the Thai government has attached importance to the national energy supply security. In order to strengthen energy security of the country, the Minis- try of Energy has initiated many strategies and measures so as to reduce dependency on oil imports while enhancing utilization of domestic energy resources. Some major measures are promotion of energy efficiency, new & renew- able energy development and fuel diversification. The Energy Conservation Promotion Fund (ENCON Fund) - the government tool to promote energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy development Due to continuous high growth rates of domestic energy demand, the Energy Conservation Promotion Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), has been put into force to be the government tool in determining regulatory measures and promo- ting efficient use of energy. Under the Act, the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund (ENCON Fund) was established as a working capi- tal to provide financial grants or support to energy conservation- related activities. The ENCON Fund revenues are derived mainly * Director, Energy System Analysis Bureau, Energy Policy & Planning Office, Ministry of Energy, Thailand.