Environmental analysis of biomass power plants for sustainability in Thailand

Abstract

The environmental impact of electricity generation is becoming more critical as electricity consumption continues to increase. This is because the world's population is growing very fast and modern communities use large amounts of electric power. This paper presents the assessment and management of environmental risk of 7.5 and 9.9 MW biomass power plants in Thailand. Three environmental factors (air, sound, and water) have been examined in this research project. In the environmental analysis, comparisons of measured environmental data from the sites and environmental standards by USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and Thailand's PCD (Pollution Control Department) are performed. This research project focuses on sustainability that impacts economic, social, and environment aspects by communities, companies, and individuals. The sustainable development of the research project can lead to a coherent and long-term balance between these three aspects. Recent findings from the environmental monitoring system revealed that quality levels of all three environmental factors are under the standards. It is implied that these two biomass power plants do not negatively affect the environment and satisfy the essential needs of humanity.