The Assessment of Household Energy Consumption and Renewable Energy Potential : A Case Study in Mueang Gaen Municipality, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This objective of this study was to assessment the household’s energy consumption and renewable energy potential, as well as propose guidelines for reducing energy consumption by introducing energy technologies. The study area is Muang Kan Phatthana Municipality, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province. The actual energy consumption data in 2022 was collected by using a questionnaire. The results of the study found that a total energy consumption of 4,506.83 toe/year, it divided into electricity, fuel, and cooking fuel groups of 907.22 toe, 2,427.33 toe, and 1,172.28 toe, respectively. A greenhouse gas emission from energy used is 14,890.58 tonCO₂eq. Households had energy expenses accounting for 26.24% of household income. In terms of renewable energy potential, it was found that the area has rice husks equal to 180,782.11 kg/year and corn cobs 6,211.92 kg/year, which is equivalent to renewable energy potential from biomass of 2,691,823.84 MJ/year. It was also found that the area has the potential to produce biogas from animal waste of 1,145.38 m³/year, equivalent to energy of 418,064.36 MJ/year. The appropriate approach to reduce energy use in the community is to use leftover materials from rice cultivation and animal feed, including using animal waste to produce biogas and use it as heat energy instead of using LPG.