Environmental Impact Assessment for Wind Farms in Thailand and Scotland

Abstract

Wind farms are promoted in many countries because they hope that it could reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from energy sectors. Although the generation of energy from wind turbines are zero carbon emission, the operation of the projects might cause the effect on environment and people such as unbearable noise and toxic chemicals released from the operation. Therefore, the environmental assessment would be the essential tool that could reduce the negative effects from such projects. This study shows that in case of Thailand, under the Enhancement and Conservation of the National Environmental Quality Act, (B.E.2535) 1992, any operators of wind farms is not required to carry out the environmental impact assessment; however, the assessment may be required to satisfy conditions stipulated by other laws. On the other hand, the Scottish operators shall comply with a Scottish law concerning the environmental impact assessment before launching wind farm projects. Moreover, this study shows some interesting environmental assessment patterns in Scotland such as Strategic Environmental Assessment, Habitats Regulations Appraisal which might be the guidance to develop the legal measures and environmental assessment system in Thailand.