GIZ Thailand and BMA organise an ideation workshop for the new solar PV rooftop guidebook

On 22 November 2024, the Renewable Energy Component of the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate (TGC EMC) project, implemented by GIZ Thailand, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), organised a workshop entitled ‘BMA Solar Guidebook Ideation Workshop’ at the Skyview Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 24. Over 40 participants attended the workshop, including civil servants and officers from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), Office of Energy Regulatory Commission (OERC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and house and building owners as well as other stakeholders.

This workshop was part of the TGC EMC project in support of the BMA’s development of a new solar rooftop guidebook through knowledge-sharing and engagement with stakeholders in Bangkok urban areas.

“As both residents and professionals driving policy and civil services in this city, it’s crucial for us to discuss what the new solar PV rooftop guidebook should include to address public queries and demand for solar energy installations. We are working together on this guidebook, contributing to Bangkok’s efforts towards clean energy, waste reduction, and climate action,” said Woranuch Suaykakaow, Deputy Director General of the Environment Department, BMA, during the opening ceremony.

Woranuch Suaykakaow, Deputy Director General of Environment Department, BMA

“Urban areas are not only beautiful cities, but also our hope, and home to a growing number of the population in countries so we need to think about a just energy transition in urban areas, and solar power will be a key source of renewable energy in this regard,” stated Insa Illgen, TGC EMC Programme Director, GIZ Thailand.

Insa Illgen, TGC EMC Programme Director, GIZ Thailand

The workshop featured a knowledge-sharing presentation on ‘Solar PV Rooftops’ by Thachatat Kuravakul, TGC EMC Renewable Energy Component Project Manager from GIZ Thailand. His presentation delved into the concept of solar PV rooftops in urban areas and introduced a tentative plan to create a new solar PV rooftop guidebook in collaboration with the BMA. Ultimate Tiamsa-ad, Solar Energy Specialist, provided a technical in-depth look into current policy frameworks, practices, challenges and benefits of solar PV rooftops for urban residences, businesses and industry.

Thachatat Kuravakul, TGC EMC Renewable Energy Component Project Manager, GIZ Thailand

Ultimate Tiamsa-ad, Solar Energy Specialist

Following the knowledge-sharing presentation, attendees joined a group brainstorming activity to ideate content topics, requirements and other details that a new solar rooftop guidebook should include. At the end, each group presented their ideas to the other groups for reflection and discussion. The results from this workshop will serve as helpful input for the development of the new solar guidebook in early 2025.

“The topic of solar energy is challenging for the BMA, as the public office that hosts and communicates central public information directly to our citizens. In this regard, the new solar PV rooftop guidebook will be incredibly useful in sharing knowledge on solar power installations to the public,” said Pornphrom Vikitsreth, Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, in his closing remarks.

Funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) under Germany’s Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the TGC EMC project supports Thailand’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. Through its five components – Renewable Energy, Transport, Decarbonisation in Industry, Biomass, and Climate Finance, TGC EMC facilitates technology transfer, policy development, and business model innovation through a sector-coupling approach.