Sustainable Palm Oil Production for Bioenergy

Thailand is, after Indonesia and Malaysia, the biggest producer of palm oil worldwide. The project supported the introduction of international sustainability standards for Thailand’s palm oil production as well as certification of its cultivation and processing. In Thailand, up to 80% of oil palms are planted by small-scale farmers. The impacts of the cultivation and increasing use of palm oil for energy generation have been investigated in order to identify and prevent any adverse effects. The project ensured that sustainably produced palm oil is made available as a bioenergy resource. The application of the standard opens up additional market opportunities for small farmers. On a national level, the project also provided advisory support on the issue of sustainability standards and promoted dialogue among the various political and economic actors within the palm oil sector.

Project data

Countries: Thailand
IKI funding: 3,656,183.56 €
Duration: 12/2008 till 08/2012
Status: completed
Implementing organisation: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Political Partner: Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives - Thailand
Implementing Partner: Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives - Thailand

National Metal and Materials Technology Center - Thailand

Palm Oil Crushing Mill Association - Thailand

Palm Oil Refinery Association - Thailand

Roundtable on Sustainable Plam Oil (RSPO)

Thai Biodiesel Producer Association

Thai Palm Oil and Oil Palm Association

Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization

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State of implementation/results

Project completed
Overall concept developed for certification of small-scale farmers, which is transferable on the international level, too.
Implementation of calculations carried out to determine greenhouse gas emissions arising through Thailand's palm oil production. It has been demonstrated that sustainable palm oil, as a basis for bio fuel, leads to a significant reduction of GHG-emissions. The average saving of Thai biodiesel compared to fossil diesel is 63% CO2 per liter.
Qualification of Thai institutions to independently conduct greenhouse gas accounting in the future.
Establishment and institutionalization of Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) sustainability standards in Thailand. The aspects of sustainability adopted by the Indonesian government in the palm oil sector's five-year strategic plan.
The EU approved RSPO-Standards in 2012 as a certification system. Therewith, Thailand´s connection to the international market for palm oil and biofuels is achieved.
At least 400 small farmers and two oil mills use RSPO standards in their production and processing activities. In 2012, sustainability certificates were handed over to 412 independent small farmers worldwide for the first time. The income of these farmers increased around 25%.
As a result of this project, a forum for sustainable palm oil (FONAP, external) was founded in Berlin on September 2nd, 2013.

Latest Update:
12/2024