Thailand and Germany Forge Ahead with Clean Energy and Transport Initiatives
“Talking Transport Transformation: Electric Mobility in Thailand and Germany – Joining forces for climate-neutral mobility” hybrid discussion event was hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin and Agora Transport.
Amidst the growing partnership between Thailand and Germany, both nations have taken significant steps towards enhancing cooperation in the fields of clean energy and transport.
On 6 February 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin, along with Agora Verkehrswende (Agora Transport), part of the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate (TGC EMC) project consortium, hosted a hybrid discussion event on electric vehicles (EVs) development in Thailand. Titled “Talking Transport Transformation: Electric Mobility in Thailand and Germany – Joining Forces for Climate-neutral Mobility”, the event set the stage for a fruitful exchange of ideas on advancing eco-friendly transportation. Distinguished speakers and panellists, including representatives from both countries, delved into strategies and initiatives aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric mobility, with an eye on achieving climate goals.
The panel discussion “Perspectives on ramp-up of electric mobility and international cooperation” consisted of (from left to right) Ms Elisabeth le Claire, Agora Verkehrswende (Moderator); Mr Axel Kaltwasser, BMW Group; and Mr Markus Becker, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany (BMWK)
The event’s success underscores the collective commitment of Thailand and Germany to building a more sustainable, resilient future for transportation. The TGC EMC project, through the transport component, aims to support Thailand by offering technical assistance and policy development support. It will provide technical assistance for the energy demand assessment and EV grid integration, sustainable battery value chain and MRV, and foster policy development regarding the EV roadmap, mobility solutions for a feeder system in Bangkok and BMA’s service vehicles. Additionally, it will open the City Lab for a competition for potential initiatives to be piloted in real areas.
Dr Dominika Kalinowska, GIZ Thailand, Dr Yossapong Laoonual, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), and Dr Akkarin Suwannarat, Energy Absolute PCL, joined the panel discussion virtually.
The partnership between Thailand and Germany was further reinforced during the official visit of the Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, to Germany between 12 and 13 March, during which the Thai PM had a bilateral meeting with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, to discuss furthering the Thai-German cooperation in many areas, including clean energy and EVs, with the aim of positioning Thailand as a hub for EV production.
(From left to right) Ms Elisabeth le Claire, Agora Verkehrswende (Moderator); Mr Axel Kaltwasser, BMW Group; His Excellency Dr Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to Germany; Mr Christian Hochfeld, Director of Agora Verkehrswende; and Mr Markus Becker, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany (BMWK)
These events reflect a deepening relationship between Thailand and Germany, centred around shared values and a common vision for a climate-neutral future. Through strategic cooperation in clean energy and transport, both nations are poised to not only advance their economic interests but also contribute significantly to global efforts against climate change.
Dominika Kalinowska
TGC EMC Project Director
Email:dominika.kalinowska(at)giz.de