The Potential of Greenhouse Gas Reduction from Clean Development Mechanism Implementation in Cassava Starch and Palm Oil Industries

Abstract

Sayam Aroonsrimorakot* * Chumlong Arunlertaree* * and et al. The objective of this study was to estimate the potential for greenhouse gas reduction from the implementation of “Clean Development Mechanism ” in the cassava starch and palm oil industries, in Thailand. The “Clean Development Mechanism ” is compatible with an anaerobic system. The mills that treated wastewater by anaerobic system were evaluated for the potential and value of greenhouse gas reduction. Moreover, biogas production and electricity generation were also assessed. Approximately 39 % of the cassava starch mills treated wastewater by an anaerobic system. The annual potential in methane reduction was 28,957.8 tons or equivalent to 608,093.1 tons of carbon dioxide. This was worth approximately 93 million Baht. Regarding the bio-gas production, 67 cassava starch mills were able to produce approximately 512 million cubic meters. The estimated annual potential electricity generation was approximately 615 million units with 1,537 million baht of value. Concerning the palm oil mill, 79 % of the anaerobic wastewater treatment system was analyzed. The potential methane reduction was 57,899.3 tons, and of carbon dioxide 1,215,844.7 tons. The value of the reduction was 186 million Baht per annum. The potential of biogas production was 106 million cubic meters that is equivalent to 127 million units of electricity per annum. This amount of electricity would be worth approximately 318 million Baht