Energy planning requires diverse and complex data, including energy demand, spatial information and production capacities from multiple sectors. Managing and analysing this data to develop accurate energy models demands data collection, analysis, and modelling expertise. Collaboration and knowledge exchange between experts play a crucial role in achieving this.

On 17 October 2024, GIZ Thailand, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy-led Net Zero World Initiative, launched the Community of Practice (CoP) at the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO). This CoP was formed to improve energy modelling, and to strengthen collaboration across the Ministry of Energy, academia and the private sector to support policy development using more efficient energy modelling. Reukrit Kenharaj, Director of the Information and Communication Technology Centre under the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO-ICT), opened the session by highlighting such issues as limited manpower and the absence of a centralised data hub, which complicates comprehensive energy analysis. However, with support from GIZ, Net Zero World and academic partners, Thailand’s energy modelling capacity is set to grow.

The CoP, under the Partnerships to Accelerate the Global Energy Transition (PACT), collaborates with other energy initiatives in Thailand and internationally to help the CoP Network improve Thai energy modelling frameworks.

Nalinrat Krittiyanont Guba, a Thailand country coordinator for Net Zero World who works at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), introduced the collaboration with EPPO through the “LEAP Modelling Progress and Next Steps” project. This project includes training on the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP), initially targeting the cement industry. The goal is to enhance EPPO staff expertise in energy forecasting, scenario generation and system optimisation, with plans to expand into other sectors, while addressing challenges in data collection and system development.

Thachatat Kuvarakul, TGC EMC RE component lead, from GIZ Thailand shared insights on a Thai-German Cooperation project linked to the PACT: CoP project. This initiative focuses on the energy transition across the power, transport and industrial sectors. It addresses data gaps, fosters capacity building and develops decarbonisation technologies by engaging policymakers, private sector stakeholders and academia.

Lars Allerheiligen, an Advisor for PACT and Manager for global activities from GIZ Global, introduced the “Vision 100” initiative, aiming for 100% energy access by 2030 and full decarbonisation by 2050, highlighting the GIZ-Net Zero World partnership’s complementary strengths: GIZ’s local presence and Net Zero World’s U.S. technical expertise. Zachary Hauser, Advisor, Office of Asian Affairs, Department of Energy, U.S. Government expanded on Net Zero World’s multidisciplinary approach, leveraging expertise from nine U.S. agencies and 10 DOE labs to support Thailand’s net-zero pathways and emphasising Thailand’s leadership role in the Asia-Pacific energy transition.

Chatchanis Kasemwong, PACT Project Manager for Thailand, GIZ Thailand, detailed PACT initiatives including the BESS Knowledge Sharing platform and the Energy Modelling Community of Practice (CoP). The CoP initiative aims to address data challenges and unite stakeholders in the Thai energy sector, starting with the cement sector and expanding to others, thereby supporting Thailand’s decarbonisation goals.

During the discussion, participants identified several challenges and opportunities:

• In-depth collaboration with industries is essential for effective data management.
• Energy models require continuous maintenance and regular data updates.
• While Germany and the U.S. have systematic data collection processes, Thailand must adapt its own methods to align with local needs and could leverage data from similar countries to address current gaps.
• Data availability is stronger in the transport sector, while critical information is still lacking in the industrial sector for accurate net-zero scenario modelling.

The meeting concluded with GIZ and Net Zero World reaffirming their commitment to supporting Thailand’s energy transition. By focusing on energy modelling, decarbonisation and multi-sector collaboration, the CoP aims to strengthen data-sharing mechanisms and accelerate the development of pathways to achieve Thailand’s net-zero goals.