Following the success of the first public training earlier this year, the second public training on Green Hydrogen was held on 5-6 September, 2024, at the Chiang Mai Knowledge Hub for Green Hydrogen. The training was a collaborative effort between the German hydrogen technology company Enapter, the Energy research and Development Institute-Nakornping (ERDI), Chiang Mai University, and the International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Programme “H2Uppp”, implemented by GIZ as part of the broader initiative to make Chiang Mai a knowledge hub for green hydrogen to further support sustainable hydrogen projects across Southeast Asia.

The two-day event welcomed participants from various sectors, including the energy industry, ceramics, aviation, and power, reflecting the growing interest in green hydrogen across multiple industries. The training offered an in-depth understanding of hydrogen technology and its future applications, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance hydrogen projects in Thailand and the wider region.

The programme was divided into two focused sessions, each designed to meet the specific needs of the participants. On the first day, the management-level training session explored critical aspects of hydrogen project development, including market and commercialisation strategies, value chain analysis, pertinent policy and regulations in Thailand, and safety.

The second day was tailored to the technical level, offering hands-on experience and advanced understanding of hydrogen technology. Participants gained practical knowledge in system design, optimisation, as well as economics of hydrogen projects. The session also included a technical demonstration of fuel cells and electrolysers, which provided participants with a comprehensive view of how these technologies could be implemented in their respective industries.

A highlight of the training was the visit to Phi Suea House, a model for self-sustaining solar-hydrogen-powered residences. Participants were welcomed by Sebastian-Justus-Schmidt, the Honorary Consul of Germany, founder of Enapter, and owner of Phi Suea House, who emphasised the importance of international cooperation in advancing green hydrogen economy.

This visit allowed participants to see real-life applications of hydrogen technology, offering a deeper understanding of its potential and inspiring ideas for their own projects. The tour concluded with an exchange between participants, to discuss future collaborations and share insights from the training.

Green Hydrogen is a clean and sustainable energy carrier, offering a promising solution for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors. In Thailand, Green Hydrogen is seen as a key technology to help achieve the renewable energy targets set by the government. Trainings organised by the Chiang Mai Knowledge Hub for Green Hydrogen are expected to equip project developers and technology integrators in Thailand and Southeast Asia with necessary knowledge and skills to implement green hydrogen solutions effectively and sustainably across various sectors, fostering the region’s transition towards a low-carbon and resilient future.

Financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the H2Uppp programme is implemented in Thailand by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in partnership with the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC). H2Uppp aims to support the policy and market development for Green Hydrogen and Power-to-X through studies and training, the identification and initiation of public-private partnerships (PPP) and projects, and the promotion and dissemination of knowledge through local and international H2 expert networks, in particular, vis-à-vis the German private sector.