On 2 April 2026, Lampang Province, in collaboration with GIZ’s Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition (IKI JET) project, held an event to disseminate the results of two key studies: ‘Lampang Just Energy Transition and Economic Transformation Roadmap’ and ‘Mine Closure, Environmental Impacts and Land Reclamation in Colombia, Mongolia and Thailand (Case Study: Mae Moh Mine, Lampang)’. The event, held at the Tree Tara Hotel in Lampang Province, brought together representatives from the public sector, private sector, academic institutions and international organisations to jointly define the province’s long-term development direction.
Lampang Province is advancing towards becoming a national model for a ‘just energy transition’ (JET) through integrated collaboration among government agencies, international organisations and local stakeholders to jointly shape strategic directions for coalmine rehabilitation and to drive a clean energy ecosystem.
This collaboration serves as a key mechanism for laying the foundation for a systematic transition away from the coal industry, with a focus on inclusivity in all dimensions, including the creation of tangible new economic opportunities and sustainable environmental restoration, to ensure that no sector is left behind in the transition towards a low-carbon society.
In the opening remarks, Krisana Phinij, Vice Governor of Lampang Province, emphasised the importance of integrated collaboration in shaping Lampang’s future, particularly as the province is undergoing structural changes due to the reduction in coal use and broader regional economic transformation.
Sascha Oppowa, Project Director of the Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) at GIZ Thailand, emphasised in his remarks on the core principles of a just energy transition that the process must be ‘people-centred’, alongside efforts to create new economic opportunities. He also shared lessons learned from Germany’s experience, highlighting that proactive long-term planning and the establishment of collaborative mechanisms among diverse stakeholders are decisive factors for achieving sustainable success in this transition.
In presenting the study results, Suchart Klaikaew, Head of the IKI JET Project at GIZ Thailand, highlighted significant structural challenges in Lampang Province, particularly the absence of a clear action plan for a coal phase-out, limitations in comprehensive local-level labour transition planning, the lack of unified governance mechanisms and inconsistencies in integrating ecosystem rehabilitation with strategies for economic diversification.
Klaikaew added that aligning spatial development with the principles of a just energy transition is key to creating new opportunities in the future, stating: “Through transitioning to a clean energy base, fostering future industries and establishing concrete social protection systems for workers and local communities, Lampang Province has the potential to become Thailand’s first empirical model for a comprehensive and sustainable just energy transition.”
The IKI JET Project has continuously conducted stakeholder consultations throughout 2023-2025, ranging from stakeholder analysis and provincial public forums to field visits in five subdistricts and more than 25 policy dialogue sessions, covering over 1,000 stakeholders. All data were synthesised from 808 open-ended survey responses.
These were then developed into the ‘five pillars’ of the transition that reflect local needs:
- Mobilise the transition to clean energy
- Accelerate investment in high-value and circular industries
- Build an innovation-driven and entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Develop human capital for the green economy
- Enable governance and environmental sustainability
In addition, the study also proposed approaches for analysing financial mechanisms to attract investment into Lampang Province’s transition, covering the design of innovative financial instruments and policy tools to strengthen investor confidence in target business sectors. A key recommendation is the establishment of a special purpose entity to serve as a ‘strategic intermediary’ in linking local stakeholders with new business and investment opportunities, while driving long-term economic development.
This initiative reflects strong collaboration among key partners, including the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), the Science and Technology Park Chiang Mai University, the Lampang Chamber of Commerce, the Provincial Industrial Council (Lampang), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). All parties reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Lampang Province’s transition towards an inclusive low-carbon economy, with coordinated efforts and tangible benefits for all sectors of society.
Suchart Klaikaew
Head of the IKI JET Project, Thailand
Email: suchart.klaikaew@giz.de
