Group photo of participants convened at the 80th ESCAP Session side event: ‘Connecting Voices, Transforming Coal Regions for a Better World’

BANGKOK, 26 April 2024 ¬– GIZ’s ‘Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition’ (IKI JET) project advanced Thailand’s vision for a sustainable energy future at the 80th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Aligned with the event’s theme ‘Leveraging Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific’, IKI JET is supporting its partner, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), in introducing the Mae Moh Green Model as a blueprint for a just energy transition in coal-reliant regions, signalling a significant shift in the country’s energy strategy.

Held at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok, this session was complemented by a side event, ‘Connecting Voices, Transforming Coal Regions for a Better World’, organised by GIZ Thailand and co-sponsored by EGAT, in collaboration with the Centre for SDG Research and Support (SDG MOVE) and the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD). The event focused on the ‘Just Energy Transition in Coal Regions Knowledge Hub’, which aims to amplify the voices of coal-dependent workers and communities. It highlighted how knowledge can be practically applied to support just energy transitions, and how local experiences can contribute to global conversations on this critical issue. Perspectives from IKI JET member countries were shared, discussing the challenges and possibilities of implementing just transitions in the region and how regional cooperation and peer learning could further accelerate the process.

Panellists at the 80th ESCAP Session discuss digital innovations in sustainable development

Thailand’s Mae Moh Smart City 2024 initiative, part of the Mae Moh Green Model, highlighted at the 80th ESCAP Session as a critical step in the country’s energy transition

Sutthiphong Chalermkiat, Assistant Governor for Generation 2 at EGAT, underscored Thailand’s commitment to a greener future through the Triple S strategy: Sources Transformation (increasing the proportion of renewable energy in circulation), Sink Co-creation (absorbing more CO2), and Support Measures Mechanisms (supporting projects that offset and/or avoid carbon emissions). This strategy, developed in collaboration with GIZ, 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 like biomass, solar, and future fuels such as hydrogen, alongside advanced carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

A key aspect of the Mae Moh Green Model is its emphasis on community-centric development. EGAT has introduced sustainable agricultural practices in the Mae Moh region to foster 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.

Exchanging insights session on advancing sustainable energy initiatives in Thailand

All in all, 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 grapple with the challenges of climate change and energy security, initiatives like this offer a roadmap for achieving a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.