Environmental and socio-economic feasibility assessment of rice straw conversion to power and ethanol in Thailand

Technically 26–32% of rice straw residues accounting for about 5–6 Mt/year can be used for energy in Thailand. The quantified environmental and socio-economic benefits of this potential renewable energy source could be a driving force noted by the decision makers and communities. Converting rice straw residues to electricity or ethanol would directly increase the standard of living of regional households (in terms of expenditure fulfillments). Direct contributions to the housing, healthcare, education, and necessities, as well as the share of straw logistics on regional wise basis are estimated. Furthermore, one environmental and four socio-economic indicators are quantified for 1-MJ of dry rice straw delivered and used in assumed commercial 10-MWe and 24-ML ethanol conversion facilities using the same yearly quantity of ∼116,000 t rice straw. All the indicators show favor in the ethanol option. Comparison ratios of value added of straw to energy, life-cycle GHG reductions, net currency savings, direct value-added GDP, and employment (direct/indirect/unemployed) beneficiaries for ethanol and power options would be, respectively, 1:0.07, 1:0.89, 1:0.96, 1:0.11, and 1:0.35. Total yearly employment beneficiaries of 15,000–18,000 and 41,000–51,000 are expected for power and ethanol options, respectively.