Fossil energy, environmental and cost performance of ethanol in Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to perform a life cycle analysis of the environmental benefits and limitations of using ethanol as an alternative transportation fuel in Thailand. In particular, the analysis compares the life cycle fossil energy use, air emissions and social costs of cassava-based gasohol E10 with those of gasoline. The results of the study show that, along its whole life cycle, E10 consumes less fossil oil (6.3%) and produces lesser amounts of CO 2 (6.4%), CH 4 (6.2%), CO (15.4%) and NO x (15.8%) than CG. Including externalities substantially changes the cost performance in favor of ethanol. After environmental costs are added, the cost of E10 and of gasoline become equal to each other whilst before that, E10 is more costly.