Enapter aims to drive the growth of hydrogen infrastructure in the SE Asia region with partners in Thailand

Tanai Potisat

Thailand is in the process of transition from fossil fuel-based energy to renewable energy, joining the global trend in tackling climate change. The Government has set its ambitious goal in striving to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and a net-zero target by 2065. With increasing efforts in using renewable energy, green hydrogen has entered the spotlight. Although Thailand has not yet developed a substantial hydrogen industry, it has the potential to develop green hydrogen for domestic use and for export. Enapter, an innovative German company that manufactures highly efficient hydrogen generators – known as electrolysers – currently partners with many key players in Thailand, including an educational institution, as well as oil and gas companies.

UPDATE interviewed Mr. Tanai Potisat, SEA Business Development Manager at Enapter for an overview of the company and its collaborative projects with local partners. Prior to working at Enapter as Business Analyst in 2019, Mr. Potisat was Research Assistant at the Energy Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University in 2014 and later worked with the German development agency GIZ from 2015-2017 as Project Assistant and then as Junior Advisor. Tanai is eager to share the potential of green hydrogen, while also embracing realism about what green hydrogen can do.

Could you provide an overview of Enapter’s development in the green hydrogen and renewable energy sector in Thailand?

Enapter is a global company specialised in manufacturing of highly efficient, modular hydrogen generators using Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) technology. Its origins can be traced back to 2004 when Mr. Sebastian-Justus Schmidt, a German software CEO, moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to be closer to clients. In 2015, he built a self-sustaining house that is powered with renewable energy. However, as solar power for the house is only generated during the daytime, he looked for power storage for nighttime consumption. Hydrogen complemented with battery storage worked very well to ensure reliable power supply to the off-grid house. That's how the idea started, from the Schmidt family’s sustainable microgrid residence –the Phi Suea House – which became the world’s first self-sustaining, multi-house residence powered by a hydrogen-based clean energy system.

Enapter was finally founded in 2017, spurred by the climate crisis and the power of hydrogen. Sebastian acquired ACTA and renamed it Enapter, which means “Energy Adapter” The company grew at a rapid pace, and in 2019 it opened a Berlin office and a new serial production facility in Italy. In 2020, Enapter launched the third-generation EL 2.1 AEM Electrolyser and hit the stock market with a reverse acquisition. Enapter’s commitment to sustainability and innovative technology has led to its recognition as the winner of the inaugural Earthshot Prize in 2021.

Enapter’s success continued in 2022 with the launch of its EL 4.0 next-generation AEM Electrolyser, as well as the opening of its Enapter Campus production and R&D site in Saerbeck, Germany and the expansion of its Pisa offices. In the same year, the company set a production record, delivering 1,200 EL 4.0 electrolysers to customers worldwide in the fourth quarter.With a strong focus on growth and R&D, Enapter is set to play a leading role in the transition to a clean energy future. Today, its electrolysers are used in more than 50 countries around the world.

What are the key challenges that Enapter faces in deploying green hydrogen technology in Thailand?

If you look at the current landscape of total energy consumption in Thailand, 20% is in the form of electricity and 80% is from other fossil-based sources. Although we are on a good trajectory with renewable energy in the electricity sector, there is no real viable or attractive pathway to replace oil, coal and gas with renewable electricity. Instead, we need a molecule like green hydrogen.

When companies with a decarbonisation agenda announce a carbon neutral or net zero carbon policy, they look to hydrogen as a pathway to reach their ambitious but crucial goals. We really need this energy portfolio for Thailand as a whole as well. What if we could produce our own clean fuel in the form of hydrogen by transforming electricity into green hydrogen? Hydrogen will come as a natural choice and eventually fuel fossil fields will become redundant.

The concerns for developing green hydrogen technology in Thailand are typical like with any incoming new technology. Let's say mobility. When you want to drive with a hydrogen fuel-powered car, what are the safety aspects? What are the regulations? What are the economics?

Enapter faces several key challenges in deploying green hydrogen technology in Thailand. One of these challenges is misconceptions about green hydrogen. Enapter’s approach to addressing this challenge is to spread awareness and knowledge about green hydrogen, and we believe that the growth of green hydrogen in Thailand will happen organically as a result of this.

Another challenge is the cost aspect, as other sources of energy such as fossil fuels are still cheaper. Enapter is attempting to tackle this challenge by focusing on production of its AEM Electrolysers at scale. This, combined with the inherent cost and performance benefits of AEM technology over competing electrolyser technologies will lower the cost of hydrogen production and make green hydrogen affordable.

In terms of Thailand’s green hydrogen industry, it is currently still in the early stages of development. Thailand has been utilising grey hydrogen for some time; however, the market for green hydrogen, has significant untapped potential. Green hydrogen can be applied to three areas – energy, mobility and industry. Enapter believes that the growth of green hydrogen will continue to occur naturally as different sectors move towards global decarbonization

How does Enapter contribute to the development of a green hydrogen ecosystem in Thailand?

Enapter is contributing to the development of a green hydrogen ecosystem in Thailand through various initiatives. One key contribution is showcasing green hydrogen projects, such as the Phi Suea House in Chiang Mai, which allows people to see green energy in action.

Enapter is also partnering with organizations like Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Chiang Mai University on the “Making Chiang Mai a Hub for Green Hydrogen” project, which aims to spread knowledge, organize trainings and increase public awareness in green hydrogen. Through this partnership, Enapter is providing an open platform for green hydrogen capacity building and promoting a carbon-neutral mindset.

As interest in green hydrogen continues to grow in Thailand, Enapter’s efforts here are also beginning to include realizing highimpact hydrogen projects with partners, a step which is crucial in the development of a thriving green hydrogen ecosystem.

Please tell us more about your recent MoU signed with GIZ and Chiang Mai University.

We are a technology supplier with the hardware to efficiently produce hydrogen, and Chiang Mai University (CMU) has the facilities and people such as lecturers, researchers, and students for conducting research and disseminating knowledge. In partnership with GIZ and CMU, the project “Making Chiang Mai a Knowledge Hub for Green Hydrogen” includes building a training facility at CMU where project developers will receive training on our modular hydrogen systems. Chiang Mai is the perfect hub as participants will also visit Enapter’s Phi Suea House project to see green hydrogen in action.

Over the next two years, Enapter will conduct training activities for CMU at different levels –from basic to more technical – which will raise both professional skill levels and awareness of green hydrogen. As South-East Asia’s first hydrogen learning centre, it will enable the growth of hydrogen infrastructure in the region, promote regional co-operation and help position Chiang Mai and Thailand as pioneers in modular hydrogen technology.

Does Enapter have any plans or projects to increase production and scale up green hydrogen production in Thailand?

Although we are based in Thailand, our largest markets are in Germany, other parts of Europe, North America, Japan and the Republic of Korea. As for Thailand, we see considerable potential given the availability of renewable energy resources and its industrial base. That's why we work with key players in Thailand such as the main energy companies to make green hydrogen projects happen.

Enapter and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) signed an MoU back in August, 2019 to develop a Green Mini-Grid Sandbox Project at EGAT. That project has successfully been realized at EGAT Learning Center, Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi. Here, ten AEM electrolyser units stand ready to receive visitors who are keen to learn about green hydrogen.

How far has Thailand’s green hydrogen industry been developed? Will Thailand be ready for the industry in the next 10 years?

Companies with carbon neutrality goals or companies with high CO2 emissions, might have some pressure to reduce their emissions thanks either to policies or common taxes. That could have an impact on how they see their business plan and how they want to decarbonize.

Is Thailand ready? Many companies are already showing interest, especially those in industries that already use grey hydrogen produced from natural gas, such as refineries or glass and steel manufacturers. Their consumption of grey hydrogen can be replaced with green hydrogen produced on site from renewables. That would be the simplest form and will come much fast than 10 years. Then other companies and industries who are not currently using hydrogen could come as a second wave.

Contact details:

Tanai Potisat

SEA Business Development Manager

Enapter Co., Ltd.

tpotisat@enapter.com

www.enapter.com