Guidelines for Solving Problems in Establishing Community Waste-to-Energy Plants: The Role of Local Government Officials in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

The objectives of this article were (1) to explain the problems in establishing community waste-to-energy plants by local government officials in Khon Kaen province, (2) to compile suggested guidelines for solving problems in establishing community waste-to-energy plants by local government officials in Khon Kaen province. This study was qualitative research combined with a documentary review. The research instrument is a semi-structured interview and Data was collected by using in-depth interview method. Important 14 informants included local government officials who were related to establishing waste energy power plants in community at Khon Kaen Province, Chum Phae Municipality, Kut Nam Sai Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Phon Municipality and Ban Phai Municipality. The results indicated that 1) problems in establishing community waste-to-energy plants by local government officials in Khon Kaen province included a lack of skilled labor problems, High budget problems, community problems with opposition from citizens and communities, insufficient waste for electricity production, and complex and delayed legal problems. 2) Guidelines for solving problems in establishing community waste-to-energy plants by local government officials in Khon Kaen province included Promote skills and develop the potential of officials, creating cooperation with the private sector to support the budget, creating understanding, trust, and public participation, coordinate cooperation with nearby local administrative organizations and should have an electronic document verification system to speed up the approval process and reduce errors in the process.