On 28 November 2024, a ceremony celebrating the success of the Cooling Innovation Fund (CIF) and the Green Cooling Initiative (GCI) III project in Thailand and Asia was held at Siam Hall at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai in Bangkok. The event was attended by Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Economic Affairs, German Embassy Bangkok; Dr Timo Menniken, Country Director of GIZ Thailand; Pavich Kesavawong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment; Professor Pisut Painmanakul, a Board Member of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT); and Thidade Eiamsai, EGAT Deputy Governor – Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy.

Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Economic Affairs, German Embassy Bangkok, stated that the successful outcomes of the CIF and GCI III in Thailand and Asia had truly demonstrated the power of international partnership, supported by government agencies from Germany and Thailand, Thai universities, and the private sector. These initiatives promote the use of environment-friendly natural refrigerants to reduce energy consumption and mitigate impacts on climate change of the energy-intensive cooling industry, which releases significant levels of greenhouse gasses. Germany’s approach to green cooling comprises:

1. Regulatory measures: Assisting partner countries in improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
2. Financial incentives: Supporting the development of energy-efficient cooling technology
3. Technological support: Enhancing capacity-building and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders

The collaboration and innovation have contributed to the certification of industrial standards for R290 air-conditioning products, marking a significant step in adopting natural refrigerants in Thailand.

Eakarat Samintarapanya, EGAT Assistant Governor – Power Plant Planning and President of CIF Management Committee, revealed that over the past three years, EGAT and GIZ have expanded their collaboration in promoting the sustainable cooling industry in Thailand by establishing the CIF to implement various initiatives that drive the air-conditioning and cooling industry of Thailand to apply green cooling technology. Key activities include improving laboratory facilities to test and certify the safety and energy efficiency of refrigerators, certifying products using natural refrigerants, establishing a training center for the safe use of natural refrigerants, training technicians, promoting ‘Label No.5’ energy-efficient refrigerators using natural refrigerants, conducting a solar-powered refrigerator demonstration project, supporting the change of commercial display refrigerators, and promoting the proper waste management of air-conditioners and refrigerants.

All efforts by the CIF will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 40,000 tCO2e, supporting Thailand’s air-conditioning and cooling industry in driving Thailand towards Carbon Neutrality.