From13 to 18 May 2024, the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate (TGC EMC) organised a study visit to Germany for representatives from the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) of the Thai Ministry of Energy, a partner of the project’s Decarbonisation in Industry Component, along with the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), and the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA).

The study visit focused on energy efficiency and decarbonisation pathways in the industrial sector, with the aim of enhancing Thailand’s energy transition by looking into strategies, technologies and best practices employed by leading German organisations and companies. This offered the participants valuable insights into carbon reduction methods in various industrial processes. By observing and discussing with their German counterparts, the Thai stakeholders gained a better understanding of how to develop and implement effective decarbonisation roadmaps.

During the study visit, representatives toured several key industrial sites, starting with the GMH Gruppe’s metal processing plant, where advanced sustainable steel production is reducing CO2 emissions by 80%. At the GMH Gruppe’s processing plant, the delegation was joined by the Climate, Coastal, and Marine Biodiversity (CCMB) project, led by Dr Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE). The programme also included a visit to Heidelberg Materials’ cement plant, which highlighted their pioneering Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) facility set to commence operations by 2025. Additionally, the delegation visited BASF’s Ludwigshafen plant, the world’s largest integrated chemical complex, where they learned about BASF’s ambitious climate goals and innovative technologies aimed at achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

The trip also included visits to GIZ’s offices in Berlin and Eschborn. At the Berlin office, the delegation engaged in a dialogue meeting focused on GIZ’s role in promoting international cooperation and partnerships across various sectors. The visit to the Eschborn office provided insights into advanced heat pump technology, showcasing a reversible geothermal heat pump system that significantly enhances energy efficiency.

On the last day of the visit, all representatives joined a workshop on energy efficiency and the decarbonisation pathway in industrial sectors, with a particular focus on the cement sector. The workshop presented the current status of the Decarbonisation Pathway Report, proposed a comprehensive analysis of decarbonisation roadmaps, and reviewed international best practices. Key discussions centred on overcoming barriers to implementation, potential pilot solutions, and policy recommendations to support Thailand’s transition to carbon neutrality.

TGC EMC’s Decarbonisation in Industry Component helps improve energy security and reduce carbon emissions by promoting energy-saving measures in important industries, supported by better technical guidelines and policies, which together aim to achieve decarbonisation.

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.