6.1. Benefits of power trade
This may be explained by the fact that expansion of power export in Laos comes from the hydro-electric and biomass-based power plants. Being an importer of this electricity,
Thailand would reap benefit in terms of reduction of total CO2 emission. Electricity import from Laos could also be used as a substitute to importing
coal as fuel for the domestic power generation.
The result further shows that the total CO2 emission of Thailand in the medium and
high levels of hydropower exploitation in Laos would decrease
The emissions of CH4, NOx and SO2 in Thailand would also decline corresponding to the expansion of power trade between these two countries. This is remarkable that Lao is expected to increase SO2 emission as the power generation from lignite based power plant further expands.
The finding indicates that cross-border power trade between the two countries could contribute positive effects in terms of CO2 and local pollutant emissions to Thailand, whereas Laos would not have the significant impacts.