King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), in collaboration with GIZ under the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility, and Climate (TGC EMC) – Biomass Component, organised a one-day visit to the Advanced Fuel Processing Laboratory (AFPL) – Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE) at KMUTT Bangkhuntien Campus on 28 May 2024.

The primary objective of this visit was to foster knowledge exchange and showcase the pioneering technology developed by KMUTT for managing agricultural residues for energy production at the AFPL pilot plant. Associate Professor Dr. Suneerat Fukuda, Head of the AFPL, delivered a comprehensive overview of the laboratory’s facilities to TGC EMC’s political partners from five agencies: the Office of Agricultural Economics, the Rice Department, the Land Development Department, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Agricultural Extension.

Following the insightful presentation, participants embarked on an interactive and engaging tour of the AFPL’s research and development facilities. Guided by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suneerat and her research team, participants witnessed first-hand the array of biomass conversion technologies at various scales, ranging from pilot to commercial. Highlights included the hammer mill, pellet mill, briquette machine, and vibrating torrefaction reactor, all designed to add value to agricultural residues.

TGC EMC Biomass Component is exploring decentralised pelletisation, which could lower transportation costs, enhance storage capabilities, and improve accessibility for local farmers in the pilot area of Nakhon Sawan province. Studies have shown that pelletisation – when compared to the usual practices of straw baling – can offer significant benefits for farmers by reducing storage costs by about 80%, increasing the economically feasible transport distance for rice straw products by over 300%, and providing a promising alternative for farmers to avoid the practice of open burning.

This hands-on experience provided participants with a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and explore practical applications of these technologies in their work that will be beneficial to Thai farmers. The visit facilitated fruitful discussions and paved the way for future collaborations on sustainable energy solutions derived from agricultural residues.

This activity was organised by the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate (TGC EMC). TGC EMC was commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and is set to run from 2023 to 2027. The Biomass Component is being implemented by GIZ and KMUTT with the aim of increasing Thailand’s share of renewable energy by promoting and utilising agricultural residues as an alternative feedstock. This approach brings benefits in terms of mitigating GHG emissions, reducing air pollution, and diversifying farmers’ income.