21 July 2025, Bangkok – GIZ, under the International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Programme (H2Uppp), in cooperation with the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC), organised a conference to promote an exchange on green hydrogen and Power-to-X (PtX), and cooperation between Germany and Southeast Asia at the Movenpick Wellness Resort Hotel Bangkok. This event garnered the attendance of over 200 individuals, comprising experts, industry leaders, innovators and policymakers from the energy and hydrogen sector to exchange knowledge, share insights and discuss pathways for the practical implementation of such technologies. Ultimately, it advanced the green economy and looked to pave the way for sustainable development in the context of Southeast Asia, in conjunction with building cooperation with Germany.

The core of the conference revolved around presentations and discussions by distinguished experts and key players in the green hydrogen and energy sector from across Southeast Asia, Germany and Europe. A wide array of relevant topics was covered, including global and regional economic trends and forecasting, relevant policy frameworks and regulations, financing and investment mechanisms to green hydrogen challenges and opportunities in sub-sectors such as industry, shipping and aviation. In the morning, representatives from private companies (as partners in public-private partnerships (PPP) under H2Uppp from across Southeast Asia) joined a panel discussion to share their experience and perspectives working on their respective green hydrogen projects in the region, casting reflection on lessons learned, opportunities and success factors that could be replicated for impact at the regional level.

Additionally, the event also featured a showcase area for exhibitions of green hydrogen and PtX products and innovations. This provided an opportunity for the private sector to showcase their advanced technologies while, in parallel, building a collaborative network with key players in the industry both domestically and internationally. The conference area garnered extensive interest from the participants, with many distinguished companies and organisations setting up their own exhibitions, including Evellence Ltd., Neuman & Esser Ltd., EGS-Plan Ltd., H2Power Cell Ltd., Enapter Ltd., the Hydrogen Thailand Association and thyssenkrupp Uhde (Thailand) Ltd. Each of these companies and organisations presented their alternative technologies and development pathways, which could be expanded upon to advance the green hydrogen landscape and energy transition in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Green hydrogen and PtX technologies are being elevated as one of the high-potential long-term solutions to address climate change and energy challenges, especially through concrete project development and international cooperation. In the opening remarks, Regine Dietz, H2Uppp Programme Director from GIZ; Dr Roland Wein, Executive Director of GTCC; Likki Lee Pitzen, First Secretary of the German Embassy to Thailand; and Dr Karnnalin Theerarattananodh, representative from the Office of Permanent Secretary, Thai Ministry of Energy jointly addressed the importance of active national policy and commitment to the development of green hydrogen and renewables. This emphasised that success can only happen through joint efforts and long-term bilateral and multilateral collaboration, which are at the core of building an ecosystem for clean energy.

Dr Christian Storost, Head of Division, Funding Instruments and Hydrogen Initiatives of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)

Similarly, Dr Christian Storost, Head of Division, Funding Instruments and Hydrogen Initiatives of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), presented an update on Germany’s national hydrogen strategy, including global perspectives and Germany’s active role as a key partner for energy transition in the Southeast Asian region. In his closing remarks, he highlighted the importance of building strategic connections between producing countries, technologies and markets to promote green hydrogen for sustainable implementation at an industrial level.

“Germany, the EU and the Southeast Asia region form a reliable pillar in our joint fight against the climate crisis. Our long-standing cooperation in the energy transition illustrates how regional and bilateral collaboration can drive real transformations. Thank you for your participation today, and I am looking forward to further exchanges and collaboration beyond this conference,” said Dr Storost.

(From left) Dr Roland Weins, GTCC; Vincent Ting, Roland Berger GmbH; Adiporn Klintueseen and Dr Karnnalin Theerarattananodh from the Thai Ministry of Energy; Jarukan Rassiri, GIZ Thailand; Regine Dietz, GIZ Germany; Likki Lee Pitzen, the German Embassy to Thailand, and Tim Nees, GIZ Thailand

In the evening, the participants witnessed the signing ceremony of a Letter of Intent for the development of a new public-private partnership in Indonesia. This partnership was between Neuman & Esser (NEA), Hydrogène de France Energy (HDF Energy) and GIZ with the critical goal of exploring the potential of adapting green hydrogen solutions to decarbonise ferry transport, especially between small islands in Indonesia. Such a context is challenging and grounds for strategic importance considering that Indonesia is an archipelago that relies daily on ferry transport. This signing ceremony marked a significant step, where international cooperation and commitment jointly mobilise green hydrogen for real-world implementation – not only in Indonesia, but also in elevating Southeast Asia as a pilot region for the hydrogen economy and low-carbon transport in alignment with global sustainable development goals and energy transition directions.

(From left) Dr Christian Storost, BMWE; Dr Matheiu Geze, HDF Energy Director of APAC (Asia Pacific); Regina Dietz, GIZ; and Eberhard Friess, NEA SEA Sales Manager

The International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme (H2Uppp) of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) supports the global economy for green hydrogen and its derivatives through projects and market development in selected developing and emerging countries as part of the German National Hydrogen Strategy. By fostering investment in projects and global scaling green hydrogen markets through this initiative, BMWE helps meet future green hydrogen demand for Germany and Europe while enabling technology transfer and international cooperation in the global green hydrogen and PtX industry.

H2Uppp is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in cooperation with the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC).

For more information about the H2Uppp programme, please visit: https://www.thai-german-cooperation.info/en-us/international-hydrogen-ramp-up-programme-h2-uppp/ or the H2Uppp – PtX Hub.