Thai coastal regions experiencing intense impact from the surge in LNG development
In the bustling town of Map Ta Phut, Rayong, plans are underway to install more gas turbines and build a third LNG terminal by 2029. This development is part of Thailand's transition towards carbon neutrality by 2050, but it raises questions about the environmental impacts of increasing LNG production and use.
Natural gas, largely composed of methane, is a less carbon-intensive alternative to coal and oil. Its use for power generation leads to lower emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, improving air quality and reducing associated health impacts. However, LNG remains a fossil fuel, and its production, liquefaction, transport, and regasification contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Experts warn that increasing LNG use will increase Thailand's share of global GHG emissions unless managed carefully.
Expanded LNG infrastructure, such as import terminals and regasification plants, tends to be located along coastal areas. This development has caused environmental degradation and has had negative effects on local coastal communities in Rayong province. The LNG boom has disrupted marine habitats, polluted waters, and led to social tensions related to the industrial footprint. These impacts have led to calls from campaigners to shift focus towards renewable energy options rather than expanding LNG projects further.
Thailand is taking steps to mitigate these environmental impacts. The government is investing in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, which may be employed to capture CO₂ emissions from LNG-related industries and other hard-to-abate sectors. Stricter environmental regulations and energy efficiency standards are also being introduced for transport and industry sectors connected to energy supply chains.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the long-term sustainability of relying on LNG as a transitional fuel. Thailand is increasingly reliant on imports of LNG from the Middle East due to declining supplies from the Gulf of Thailand and Myanmar. The government is expanding LNG import capacity significantly, with multiple new terminals planned or under construction. This expansion addresses immediate gas supply shortages but emphasizes the country's reliance on LNG as a transitional fuel rather than a long-term sustainable energy solution.
Campaigners are urging the government to focus on renewable energy instead of further investing in natural gas. They argue that renewable energy sources offer a more sustainable and long-term solution to Thailand's energy needs. As Thailand aims to increase the share of renewable electricity to 74% of total electricity generation by 2050, from 15% as of April 2025, the future of LNG in Thailand's energy landscape remains uncertain.
References:
- Thailand's Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Projects
- Thailand's Stricter Environmental Regulations for Energy Sector
- Environmental Impacts of LNG in Thailand
- Local Impacts of LNG Projects in Rayong
- Thailand's Energy Security and LNG Import Expansion
- In the quest for carbon neutrality by 2050, the expansion of LNG infrastructure in Thailand presents challenges concerning its environmental impacts.
- Natural gas, while a less carbon-intensive alternative to coal and oil, remains a fossil fuel, contributing to GHG emissions and potential harm to marine biodiversity.
- The shift towards renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, is advocated by campaigners as a more sustainable and long-term solution to Thailand's energy needs.
- Despite government investments in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology and stricter environmental regulations, concerns persist about the long-term sustainability of relying on LNG as a transitional fuel.
- Expanded LNG infrastructure has been linked to environmental degradation in coastal areas and has negatively impacted local communities in Rayong province.
- Science and environmental-science research show that the health-and-wellness benefits of improved air quality due to natural gas usage are offset by the potential harm caused by LNG production and use.
- Stakeholders in the finance industry are urging the government to prioritize clean energy and renewable energy projects, considering their potential economic benefits and alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
