Bangkok: The Ethanol Association has announced its support for the government's 'old car for new' scheme, aimed at accommodating E20 and E85 fuels. The Thai Ethanol Producers Association, in collaboration with the Cassava Ethanol Association, is advancing efforts to support government policies that facilitate the transition to low-emission vehicles.
According to Thai News Agency, the associations are promoting flexible fuel vehicle (FFV-PHEV) specifications that feature high-efficiency clean combustion technology compatible with E20 and E85 fuels. This initiative is expected to reduce oil imports and help mitigate PM 2.5 pollution. Mr. Kittisak Watthanavekin, President of the Thai Ethanol Producers Association, highlighted the importance of transitioning from older vehicles to domestically produced low-emission vehicles to achieve energy balance. He emphasized that promoting the use of internal combustion engine vehicles compatible with Gasohol 95, E20, or E85 will reduce energy consumption by shifting from imported crude oil to domestically produced ethanol, thereby ensuring energy security and driving a circular economy linked with Thai agriculture.
Mr. Kittisak further stated, "We are ready to cooperate with relevant agencies in managing the supply chain from upstream to downstream to ensure sufficient and stable agricultural raw materials to meet increasing demand. This initiative will not only help maintain energy balance but also create a circular economy that leverages the potential of Thai agriculture to drive the clean energy industry."
Ms. Surees Kowsurat, President of the Cassava Ethanol Association, noted that Thailand currently has the capability to produce ethanol from domestic raw materials such as sugarcane, molasses, and cassava, with a total production capacity exceeding 7 million liters per day from 28 plants nationwide. Current ethanol consumption is approximately 3.5 million liters per day, demonstrating the country's readiness to meet rising demand from high-efficiency internal combustion vehicles that support E20 and E85 fuels. If E20 is promoted as the standard fuel, it would significantly reduce oil imports.
The government's push to establish E20 as the base-grade gasoline in Thailand is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the country's long-term energy security by reducing reliance on crude oil imports. This measure also aims to mitigate the volatility of global energy prices.
Automotive manufacturers are currently advancing the industry by developing Flex-Fuel Plug-in Hybrid (FFV-PHEV) vehicles, which integrate an electric drive system with an internal combustion engine capable of using a gasoline and ethanol fuel blend. This development helps mitigate the impact of energy price fluctuations by utilizing agricultural products such as sugarcane and cassava. Additionally, ethanol's cleaner combustion compared to fossil fuels makes it a key to sustainability, effectively reducing both carbon dioxide emissions and particulate matter (PM 2.5).