Thailand for the most part depends on fossil fuels for its energy supply.  Petroleum and natural gas account for almost the entire volume of Thailand’s energy imports. But in view of the growing scarcity of raw materials and the impact of their continuous use, the search for alternative sources of energy assumes pressing importance. Thailand signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992.  Since then, numerous measures have been taken to improve energy efficiency.  As part of its long‐term energy policy Thailand aims to boost energy efficiency measures and increase renewable energy as part of its energy mix.

The “Program for Energy Efficiency in Kho Khao (PEEK)” is financed by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety under the International Climate Protection Initiative. The initiative supports climate protection projects worldwide in developing, newly industrializing and transition countries in order to contribute effectively to emission reductions and adaptation to climate change. The PEEK project is being implemented by the UNWTO Consulting Unit on Tourism and Biodiversity in collaboration with Adelphi, Berlin.

The island of Kho Khao lays 130 km to the North of Phuket on the Andaman coast and forms part of the Province of Phang Nga and the District of Takua Pa. The island has an area of approximately 22 sq. km and some 880 inhabitants. It is supplied with electricity from the mainland.  The island is approached by ferry. It was opened up for tourism some 15 years ago when the last of the tin mines in the province was shut down. The resort owners in Kho Khao are the key stakeholders in implementing the PEEK project.

PEEK Objectives and Goals

The overall aim of the project is to significantly reduce green house gas emissions from the hotel industry in Kho Khao by means of innovative and replicable solutions for energy efficiency and renewable energy. PEEK is part of further efforts to create a model destination for sustainable tourism in Kho Khao. A major emphasis is placed on the involvement of all relevant stakeholders and the dissemination of information in the wider Andaman coast region.

The core work streams of the project are:

• Stakeholder engagement and information dissemination
• Energy efficiency measures
• Solar thermal collectors
• Feasibility study for decentralized energy supply

Through its model character, the project aims to induce the island to switch over to regenerative energy supply which has the potential for broad-based application.  At the same time, efforts are being made to create greater acceptance for sustainability and climate protection strategies both in the tourism sector and among the local population.

Target Groups

The target groups are:

• Resorts and local municipalities in Kho Khao
• Local hotel and tourism associations
• Eco-tourism organizations as well as the concerned state authorities

“This project is part of the International Climate Initiative (ICI). The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) supports this initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag.”

PEEK Final Event

The PEEK project officially concluded in March 2011. The participating hotels have successfully reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by means of energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy technologies (RET), accompanied by organizational measures. The PEEK project also provided the hotels and local communities with training coursed and capacity building on EE / RET, not only in Kho Khao and Khaolak but along the Andaman Coast. An energy efficiency handbook for all Thai hotels was developed and a pre-feasibility study on how to supply the island of Kho Khao with renewable energy was compiled. The two final event, in Khaolak and Bangkok, aimed at dispersing the project results to the wider stakeholders for replication as well as to celebrate the project’s success. The event in Khaolak aimed at stakeholders in the province of Phang-Nga whilst the event in Bangkok was conducted as a “press event”. Whilst the Khaolak event was organized by UNWTO & adelphi, the Bangkok event was in the hands of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS).

More on Program for Energy Efficiency in Kho Khao Hotels (PEEK)

Project Activities

Data collection and implementation of the first set of energy-saving measures

• Inspection of the island as well as the  participating hotel resorts by European and Thai experts

• Collection of all relevant environmental data for the island and the hotel resorts (including a projection of future development) as the basis for further planning measures and Preparation of a detailed energy audit of the hotels and individual energy-saving recommendations for these establishments
• Preparation of an information brochure on the project (target groups: resort operators, the public)

Audit Reports

• Preparation of a detailed energy audit of the hotels and individual energy-saving recommendations for these establishments relating to the potential for better organization, lighting, air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration plants etc. 
• Monitoring the implementation of energy-saving measures in the hotels and a detailed documentation of the same
• Detailed calculation of the total quantity of hot water used in the individual resorts (including typical temperature requirements and consumption profiles) 
• Estimated potential CO2 emission reductions, based on the detailed audit reports and incorporated them in the individual action plans for the hotels

Installation of Technologies

• Development of Tenders for installation of Solar Thermal Systems and Other Renewable energy technologies based on the results of the Audit report.
• Site visits conducted by five companies to assess the potential for renewable energy technologies for the five hotels on Koh Kho Khao (in April and June 09)
• Analyses of the tender results according to the criteria’s set and presented to the Hotels in September 09.
• Selection of the technologies, best suited to their needs, by the hotels and their installation. (The construction phase is planned to start during the off season in June 2010)
• After the construction process the equipment would be tested for performance and then would be handed over for ownership to the Hotels

Pre feasibility Study

• Evaluation of the basic environmental data of the island as well as of the hotel resorts and a comparison of various options for de-centralized power supply to the island during power cuts (approximately 40%).  The following options are examined more closely as being viable for the island:
  • Option 1 – Power generation through a bio-gas plant run on biological wastes from hotels, agriculture and forestry
  • Option 2 – Power generation from a wind energy plant through the    island’s exposed location on the coast.
  • Option 3—Power generation from Photovoltaic System
• Detailed examination of the economic viability of the option(s) and the framing of a ‘Green Energy Concept' for implementation with the involvement of the relevant stakeholder groups

Workshops and Training Programs

• Kick-Off Event

Launch of Project event at Koh Kho Khao together with the hotels, community representatives and members of tourism organizations in February 2009.

• Workshop on Green Energy Concept

Community information workshop to introduce the PEEK project to the people of Kho Khao island and discuss options for the Green Energy Concept (energy supply of the island) in April 2009.

• Training Workshops on Energy Efficiency in Hotels, 24-28 October 2009

The primary objective of the workshops on “Energy Efficiency in Hotels” was to inculcate behavior of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in Tourism related industries along Andaman Coast. The adaptation of energy efficient methods by the hotel industry, in particular, would significantly impact the green house gases emitted due to present energy consumption patterns. The locations were Kho Khao, Khao Lak, Phuket and Krabi. Very enthusiastic responses were received and there have been requests from some hotels to become a part of the PEEK project.The main outcomes of these workshops were :     

1. Increased awareness of the stakeholders about the PEEK project and enhanced knowledge of concept of and technical aspects of energy efficiency and various renewable/low energy consuming practices and technologies
2. Identification and prioritization of different operational areas of the Hotel/Buildings where energy efficient measures can be implemented and series of steps to be undertaken
3. Increased awareness of impact of GHG emissions on climate and advantages of reducing GHG emissions by using energy efficient ways including cost benefit analyses of energy efficient behavior vs. Present consumption patterns
4. Exchange of ideas among different stakeholders as well as Interaction with technical specialists in energy sector, sharing of knowledge, experiences , best practices and success stories, leading to better understanding and cooperation
5. Recognition of the fact that adoption of energy efficient ways as well as joining energy certification schemes leads to increase in marketability and commercial viability of hotels