Abstract:

The province of Chiang Rai, as the economic and tourism hub of Northern Thailand, faces several challenges concerning energy use and environmental sustainability. in the development of a subnational Sustainable Energy Transition Road Map supports the region’s endeavour in becoming a low carbon region. This Road Map takes a holistic approach to Chiang Rai’s energy system. It evaluates the region’s current progress towards the SDG7 targets, identifies the priorities for action, and suggests opportunities for improvement. For instance, the Road Map highlights the current gap in universal access to modern energy in the region and proposes the appropriate long-term solutions to close this gap, which also enhances socio-economic development. The Road Map also details a range of technical opportunities and policy options for reducing emissions and saving energy across the whole economy that provides multi-fold benefits. Sustainable mobility options, particularly electric vehicles, shall redefine the means for region dwellers’ mobility and travel, whilst reducing energy demand and related air pollution. The industrial sector also offers a notable energy-saving potential. The Road Map also suggests a substantial increase in the share of renewable energy in the electricity supply chain by, for example, implementing renewable energy auctions, to achieve the emissions reduction target while paving the way towards a net-zero society.