IKI JET supports ‘National High-Level Policy Dialogue on a Just Energy Transition in Thailand’s Coal Regions’

GIZ representatives and members of parliament from the Standing Committee on Energy, House of Representatives of Thailand, convened at the National Assembly of Thailand
BANGKOK, 12 December 2024 — GIZ’s Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition (IKI JET) project is advancing Thailand’s vision for a just transition in coal regions through collaborative dialogue with the Energy Committee at the National Assembly of Thailand.
Aligned with the project’s goal of supporting key stakeholders in coal regions of developing countries and emerging economies to plan and implement a just energy transition away from coal towards a low-carbon energy system, IKI JET gave support to its partner, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), in facilitating the ‘National High-Level Policy Dialogue on a Just Energy Transition in Thailand’s Coal Regions’.
The dialogue served as a platform to share national, regional, and subregional experiences and lessons learned from different regions on the phasing out of coal, with a particular focus on the challenges and solutions related to ensuring a just transition in Thailand.

Policy dialogue at the National Assembly of Thailand in Bangkok organised by IKI JET Thailand and EGAT, in collaboration with the Climate Parliament and the Standing Committee on Energy, House of Representatives of Thailand
A diverse group of stakeholders participated in the discussions. Representatives from the public, private sector, civil society organisations, academia, and nearly 80 key participants also contributed to the dialogue.

Dr Timo Menniken (centre), Country Director of GIZ Thailand, delivers opening remarks at the ‘National High-Level Policy Dialogue on Just Energy Transition in Thailand’s Coal Regions’
In his opening remarks, Hans-Ulrich Sudbeck, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of the Economics Department, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Thailand, stressed the importance of viewing a just energy transition through three critical levels: international cooperation, national frameworks and legislation, and on-the-ground implementation.
Dr Timo Menniken, Country Director of GIZ Thailand, reinforced this view, emphasising that a collaborative approach across all levels is crucial for achieving a successful and equitable energy transition in Thailand and beyond.
Supachot Chaiyasart, Vice Chairperson of the Energy Committee, highlighted the afternoon’s discussions, addressing three key components of energy transition: how the efforts of the Climate Parliament, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector intersect with on-the-ground implementation. He also stressed the importance of national frameworks in enabling cooperation and successful implementation in coal regions.
Additionally, Mr Chaiyasart introduced the concept of Green Zones in Lampang, aimed at attracting investment to coal regions. These zones focus on strategic location, connectivity, and risk reduction, with a key emphasis on engaging local communities in the green transition and learning from existing renewable energy and industrial zones.

Philipp Schattenmann, Director of the IKI JET project at GIZ, further emphasised the initiative’s role in uniting seven countries and their coal regions to advance a just energy transition. He stressed the project’s global outreach, bringing together practitioners and stakeholders worldwide, as demonstrated by the ongoing policy dialogue: “Knowledge sharing is central to our interregional platform, as we recognise the value of learning from past experiences.” He also underscored the importance of dialogue and the new economic opportunities that lie ahead.

The dialogue focused on a just energy transition in coal regions in Thailand, aiming to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the economic, social, and governance instruments being used to accelerate the early retirement of coal-fired power stations. It also aimed to strengthen networks of organisations and experts supporting the process of phasing out coal at the national, regional, and subregional levels.
Perspectives from IKI JET member countries were shared, discussing the challenges and opportunities of implementing just transitions in the region. The dialogue explored how regional cooperation and peer learning could help accelerate the process. It also presented current Just Energy Transition (JET) initiatives in IKI JET partner countries, highlighting challenges, best practices, and experiences in Thailand and other IKI JET countries.

Suchart Charles Klaikaew, Project Lead for IKI JET Thailand, outlined key activities in the country’s just energy transition, focusing on the coal phase-out. His presentation, ‘Coal Phase Down by the Numbers’, provided an analytical overview of Thailand’s coal sector. He highlighted IKI JET’s technical assistance in the Mae Moh region, including Green Job Training, a Regional Just Transition Plan, coal mine closure strategies, repurposing post-mining areas, and retrofitting Mae Moh’s coal power plants to enhance flexibility in power generation. Mr Klaikaew also addressed the significant challenges posed by continued coal use in the private sector, emphasising the need for a coordinated approach to accelerate the transition and reduce dependence on coal in Thailand’s energy mix.

Thailand’s Mae Moh Smart City 2024 initiative, part of the Mae Moh Green Model, was highlighted at the ‘National High-Level Policy Dialogue on a Just Energy Transition in Thailand’s Coal Regions’ as a critical step in the country’s energy transition
Suchart Tunkaew, EGAT Assistant Governor for the Mae Moh mine, emphasised Thailand’s commitment to a greener future through the Triple S strategy – Sources Transformation (increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix), Sink Co-creation (enhancing CO2 absorption), and Support Measures Mechanisms (supporting projects that offset or avoid carbon emissions). Developed in collaboration with GIZ, this strategy aims to reduce the country’s dependence on coal while ensuring a fair and equitable energy transition. The Mae Moh Green Model is a cornerstone of this approach, integrating renewable energy sources such as biomass, solar, and future fuels like hydrogen, alongside advanced carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.
A key aspect of the Mae Moh Green Model is its focus on community-centric development. EGAT has introduced sustainable agricultural practices in the Mae Moh region to promote economic self-reliance, offering a holistic approach that balances environmental, economic and social benefits. This model serves as an example for other coal-dependent regions in Asia, demonstrating the importance of involving local communities in the transition to renewable energy.
Overall, the Mae Moh Green Model not only reflects Thailand’s commitment to a sustainable energy future but also sets a precedent for other nations in the region. As Asia continues to confront the challenges of climate change and energy security, initiatives like this provide a roadmap for achieving a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
Suchart Klaikaew
Programme Lead, IKI JET Thailand
Email: suchart.klaikaew(at)giz.de