TGED supports Thai-German business exchanges to drive energy efficiency in Thailand’s industrial sector
On 1 October 2024, GIZ Thailand, through the Thai-German Energy Dialogue (TGED) initiative, hosted a conference titled ‘German Energy Efficiency Technologies and Solutions for Industry Decarbonisation’ to foster cooperation between Thai and German businesses, and enhance the energy efficiency of businesses in Thailand.
In the opening remarks, Woranon Chansiri, the Director of the International Affairs Division of the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Energy, highlighted the strong commitment between Thailand and Germany to support energy transition, especially enhancing energy efficiency in the industrial sector to achieve climate goals. He reaffirmed that the partnership would greatly benefit Thai stakeholders through knowledge exchange.
Johannes Kerner, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Germany in Thailand, underscored the significance of the dialogue between the two countries, noting that energy efficiency not only supports economic growth, but also strengthens the negotiations of the EU-Thai Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He also stressed that Thai industry would benefit from adopting energy efficiency practices because the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will bring about significant shifts in the global trade dynamic.
Arthit Vechakij, Vice Chairman of Renewable Energy Industry Club of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), emphasised the importance of achieving GDP growth while reducing energy consumption through the adoption of energy efficiency technologies and solutions. He highlighted Germany’s success in using less energy to achieve higher GDP. In contrast, Thailand faces the challenge of maintaining a parallel trajectory, where GDP growth is closely tied to increased energy consumption.
The conference drew more than 50 participants, including representatives from the Thai Ministry of Energy, the Federation of Thai Industries, and private companies seeking energy efficiency solutions. During the event, the German companies presented their technology to Thai stakeholders. Chatpee Bungsang from Siemens Limited underscored the importance of sustainable transformation, noting that companies should holistically approach energy efficiency with digitalised processes and standardisation. Markus Hons from MAN Energy Solutions highlighted innovations in heat pump technology that allow industry to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability’s goals. Benedict Chai from Kaeser Kompressoren addressed the success of digital innovation in revolutionising energy management and the efficiency of the compressed air system.
In the last session, the exchange between Sutham Katekaewklieng from Robert Bosch Ltd. – Industrial Heat and Theerayut Noodang from Korn Thai demonstrated the result in achieving energy targets by increasing energy efficiency in steam boilers. Furthermore, Edmund Chia from MAN Energy Solutions and Chattachai Chaiyadhiroj from Charoen Pokphand Foods PLC (CPF) shared their experience of enhancing energy efficiency with gas engines. For Thailand, the use of biomass and biogas for gas engines is the key to achieving industry decarbonisation goals.
The Thai-German Energy Dialogue (TGED), funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and implemented by GIZ, is part of Germany’s effort to promote the transition towards renewable energy internationally. The partnerships combine governmental dialogues with technical exchange with relevance for concrete steps towards improving energy efficiency in the private sector.
Tim Nees
Project Manager of TGED
Email:tim.nees(at)giz.de