Bangkok--Aug 25--Tesco Lotus
Commitment to energy conservation continues
Tesco Lotus has joined the Government to promote the greater use of biodiesel to replace diesel oil in cars, trucks and trains.
Energy Minister Viset Choopibal said at the signing ceremony of an MoU this month, that biodiesel has been incorporated into the National Agenda for Cabinet consideration as part of the urgent need to reduce the country’s diesel imports. Tesco Lotus’ contribution is to supply used cooking oil from its stores for conversion to biodiesel.
“Tesco Lotus joined the Biodiesel Project as part of our ongoing comprehensive energy conservation programme,” said Tesco Lotus CEO Jeff Adams. “This is a key recycling initiative which enables us to take waste cooking oil and contribute to the development of a new alternative fuel for diesel vehicles. Some 75% of all vehicles in Thailand run on diesel fuel. We are glad to be able to support a project which will reduce pollution and Thailand’s dependence on imported fuel.”
Tesco Lotus has led the retail industry with energy conservation initiatives. Since 2002 it has invested 230 million baht in energy conservation and achieved annual energy savings of 146 million baht, including the design and construction of its flagship solar-powered Green Store on Rama I Road. In the next two years, the investment programme continues with a further 140 million baht, expected to deliver annual savings of 46 million baht by the end of 2006.
Under the Biodiesel Agreement, PTT and Bangchak will be selling B5 Biodiesel at eight service stations around Bangkok at a price cheaper than 100% diesel. The ground-breaking agreement will pave the way for wider adoption of biodiesel and in increasing proportions to imported diesel oil.
Caption:
Tesco Lotus Regional Manager Tanatat Veeravithayaset exchanges the Biodiesel MoU with the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency Director-General Siriporn Sailasuta, witnessed by Energy Minister Viset Choopibal, at the Intercontinental Hotel recently.
For more information, contact
Sukreekarn Tharapibarn, Tesco Lotus 0-2722-9640 ext 5849
Martin Clutterbuck ext 7779
Fax 0-2722-6651
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