Bangkok, recently—Delegates from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) met officials from Thailand’s Ministry of Energy in Bangkok to initiate an exchange on the challenges of climate change by talking about the German and Thai energy transition plans and the role of hydrogen. The experts discussed the potential of hydrogen and in particular, green hydrogen produced from renewable energies, to support the national decarbonisation efforts in each country. Green and low-carbon hydrogen can be a solution for decarbonizing the energy, transport and industry sectors in Thailand and Germany.

The aim of this discussion is to develop a more structured and in-depth energy dialogue between the ministries of the two countries. The parties agreed to conduct two initial workshops focusing on “Energy Transition and Green Hydrogen” facilitated by GIZ Thailand. The first workshop is being held in October, during which the participants can discuss the respective national strategies, key targets, and measures of energy transition and the specific role of green hydrogen for the decarbonization in both countries. The second workshop, tentatively planned for January 2023, will include in-depth discussion on specific regulatory topics related to the development of a green hydrogen economy.

Mr. Tarik El-Laboudy, Deputy Head of Division, Climate and Energy Cooperation with Asia, (BMWK), spoke about the efforts undertaken in Germany to carry the energy transition forward. He concluded that Germany and Thailand share similar challenges, such as the reliance of industry and manufacturing on oil and gas. For other topics, Germany has already gained experience and can share insights and knowledge. Germany has successfully implemented energy efficiency measures, undergone the liberalization of the electricity and gas markets and has been able to reach a high share of renewable energy in the electricity grid of almost 50%.

Dr. Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, Executive Director, International Affairs Division (OPS), Ministry of Energy, restated the commitment of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on the national energy transition targets of carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2065. Furthermore, Dr. Poonpat expressed his confidence that Thailand is firmly focused on sustainable actions and that green hydrogen can be a good choice and a way forward for Thailand. However, currently challenges remain. Technologies and markets are still in development and funding for hydrogen projects can be difficult to secure.

Mr. Simon Rolland, Director of the Energy programme, GIZ Thailand made the point that the collaboration on energy and climate between Thailand and Germany is a good example and reflects the commitment and collaboration of both countries to work against climate change. “Bilateral discussions between Thailand and Germany allow policymakers to exchange ideas and knowledge on energy transition and enable mutual learning. As such they can be a driver to support the carbon naturality target in both countries”.

Green Hydrogen still have to be developed further to be applied as one option of energy resources. Currently, this is the starting point of Thailand to study, how the country will utilize green hydrogen in the future.