UPDATE Q4/2021: Renewable Energy

PREMIUM PARTNERS 2021

ANNUAL PARTNERS 2021

FROM THE EDITOR Dear readers, Thailand is on the path of energy transformation. As the country is highly dependent on natural gas and energy imports, it needs to develop new sources of energy for the future. In recent years, renewable energy, which includes solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, biogas, municipal solid waste (MSW), geothermal power and biofuels, is receiving greater attention as a key to strengthening Thailand’s long-term energy security and global economic competitiveness as well as minimising environmental impacts.

The Power Development Plan (PDP) for 2018-2037, which was approved by the Cabinet on 30 April 2019, and updated in 2020 as “PDP 2018 rev.1”, aims to increase power production capacity by 67%, from 46,090 megawatts (MW) in 2017 to 77,211 MW in 2037. The “PDP 2018 Rev. 1” has raised the proportion of renewable energy through community power plants and encouraged the private sector to work as a subcontractor or joint venture in establishing renewable energy plants and becoming Small Power Producers (SPPs) and Very Small Power Producers (VSPPs).

The “Energy for All” renewable power scheme formulated by the Ministry of Energy supports the public participation and allows private investors and communities to co-invest in power plants fueled by renewable resources. Despite facing several delays and challenges in modifying its conditions, the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) has finally approved the scheme’s first pilot year and the purchase of 700 MW of renewable-based power generated in 2021. The overall target under the scheme is around 1,000 MW by 2022. Thailand’s power lines will be upgraded from 115kv to 500kv or 800kv to support alternative power and reach the communities that produce it.

Thailand also aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070 with renewable energy accounting for a 50% share of its new power generation. The National Energy Plan (NEP) 2022 has been developed by the Ministry of Energy under the concept of “Go Green with energy security and competitiveness for sustainable energy future”. With the 4D1E strategy consisting of digitalisation, decarbonisation, decentralisation, deregulation and electrification, NEP 2022 will combine and synchronise Thailand’s five action plans: Gas Plan 2018, “PDP 2018 Rev. 1”, Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP) 2018, Oil Plan 2018, and Energy Efficiency Plan (EEP) 2018. Its framework was approved by the National Energy Policy Council in August 2021.

These steps are promising signs of Thailand moving toward a sustainable future and offer huge business opportunities for German companies.

I trust you will enjoy an interesting and informative read.

Dr. Roland Wein UPDATE is published quarterly by the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC) and distributed through an electronic platform to members and qualified non-members in Thailand and abroad. It is also available on our website: thailand.ahk.de/en/publications.

Any opinions expressed in ar ticles in this e-magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chamber.

UPDATE welcomes story and photo contributions from members and non-members alike. Ar ticles may be reproduced with acknowledgement, except for those taken from other sources.

For inquiries, please contact: communications@gtcc.org.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Roland Wein

Editor & Communications Director: Chadaphan Maliphan

Design & Layout: Sorapol Liengboonlertchai

Sub-Editor: Tony Oliver

CONTENTS

RENEWABLE ENERGY

GTDEE INSIGHT

04 Energy transition needs a push

28 Webinar on “EV-Charger Technology”

08 Empowering the world compassionately

30 Examination of AdA International (Train the Trainer)

10 X marks the spot – sustainability’s une-X-pected

33 Roundtable on “Securing High-Quality Skilled

treasure trove

12 Biogas – A major source of Thailand’s renewable

energy power supply

14 Thai BCG economy thriving on rich biodiversity

and technological strengths

16 Interview: Electricity Generating Authority of

Thailand (EGAT)

19 Interview: Biotrix Asia

Labours for Electromobility”

BUSINESS BRIEFS 34 Mazars in Thailand appoints Jonathan Stuart-Smith

as new Tax Partner

34 RIS Swiss Section-Deutschsprachige Schule

Bangkok introduces new Principal

35 Thaddaeus Weiss appointed Manager of Sindhorn

Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

CHAMBER ACTIVITIES 24 GTCC CAI Webinar: GTCC-Vehicle Transport

Clean Air Initiative – Bosch Mobility

25 GTCC CAI Webinar: Decarbonized Energy

Systems (DES)

26 GTCC Webinar: Covid-19 pandemic practical

guides for senior executives and HR leaders

26 GTCC CAI Webinar: More fresh air for a healthy,

productive and sustainable future

27 German business mission with a focus on

technology solutions in the field of civil security

MEMBERS’ CORNER 36 New GTCC Members

TRADE FAIRS 40 ITB Asia 2021 41 AGRITECHNICA ASIA & HORTI ASIA 42 Productronica 2021 43 DOMOTEX 2022 44 BIOFACH and VIVANESS

04 RENEWABLE ENERGY

Energy transition needs a push Thomas Hundt

In Thailand larger renewable energy projects are currently making slow progress. Nonetheless many smaller grid-connected projects and numerous solar power systems for captive consumption are currently implemented.

Thailand’s Power Development Plan (PDP) aims for a considerable expansion of renewable energy by more than 17 gigawatts from 2021 to 2037. Accordingly, the propor tion of renewable energy in the total generation capacity would increase from 10 per cent to 34 per cent. However, the plan can be adjusted if necessary. The most important energy source for electricity producers is currently gas with a share of more than 50 per cent, followed by coal and hydropower.

Grid-connected capacities of renewable energies in Thailand (megawatts)

20181

20212 20373

Total

8,449

9,094

26,491

Biomass

3,373

3,511

5,790

Solar

2,962

2,985

14,864

Wind

1,103

1,507

2,989

Biogas

505

563

1,565

Municipal solid waste (MSW)

318

339

975

Small hydro4

188 190 308

End of 2018; March, 2021; Aim according to the PDP; 4 With capacity of less than 12 megawatts.

Sources: Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand; Metropolitan Electricity Authority; Provincial Electricity Authority; Energy Regulatory Commission; Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency; Department of Energy Business.

1

2

UPDATE 4/2021

3

Observers have suggestions and comments.

Investing in energy efficiency would often make more sense than expanding capacities.

Thailand also has already high power reserves. In 2020 an installed capacity of 50 gigawatts met a peak load of only around 30 gigawatts.

Energy demand has been growing as well more slowly than expected. Electricity consumption has even decreased since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to achieve the planed energy transition and to balance the fluctuating electricity from the solar and wind power plants, old power plants have to be replaced by more efficient and flexible ones.

Experts believe that the terms and conditions for investments in grid connected renewable energy systems should also be improved.

The Depar tment of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency and the Energy Policy and Planning Office, Ministr y of Energy are responsible for the energy policy, while the independent Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) oversees and regulates the sector. Thus, ERC sets the electricity prices and supervises the implementation of projects.

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Feed-in electricity is not a sure-fire success Only the three state-owned electricity utilities operate the power grids. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is the largest utility and is responsible for all high-voltage lines. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) distributes the electricity via its low-voltage grids in the greater Bangkok area, while the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) connects the rest of the country.

Private energy companies (independent power producers) with power plants of more than 90 megawatts (MW) and small power producers (SPP) with plants of between 10 MW and 90 MW are allowed to sell their electricity only to EGAT or directly to industrial consumers. The ver y small power producers (VSPP) with projects below 10 MW sell their electricity to the MEA or PEA. These companies implemented numerous renewable energy projects from 2006 to 2017, since they could sign long-term purchase agreements with attractive fixed feed-in tariffs. Thereafter, the financial support and number of medium and large renewable energy projects was reduced. Since then, the bidders are going through a limited number of bidding and approval processes with a diverse feed-in tariff structure. Thus, the larger Thai energy companies have been focusing their investments on more profitable foreign markets.

Renewable energy projects in Thailand (selection)

Project

Rated capacity in megawatts

Remarks

Solar: Hydro-Floating 2.725 Solar Hybrid

Sixteen plants combined with existing hydropower plants planned by EGAT.

Solar: Plant in the Eastern 500 Economic Corridor

Joint venture planned between SPCG and PEA Encom International.

Solar: Hybrid plant in 15 U-Tapao

Combined with 80 MW gas-fired power plant and 50 MW energy storage, 2020 licence to B.Grimm.

Biogas: Community Power 75 Plant Project

Maximum 3 MW per project, selection 2021 by ERC, MEA and PEA.

Biomass: Community 75 Power Plant Project

Maximum 6 MW per project, selection 2021 by ERC, MEA and PEA.

Wind: Bo Thong Wind 16 Farm

Operator B.Grimm, construction by Pöyry.

Source: Company information, press releases.

In 2018, EGAT, MEA and PEA launched the National Energy Trading Platform for direct electricity trading. In small pilot projects, electricity producers are able to exchange and trade electricity with each other. Such peer-to-peer systems are of par ticular interest to independent operators of solar power systems, since feeding their surpluses into the grid is complicated, and a purchase price of Baht 1.68 (about 5 US cents) per kilowatt hour (kWh) is not attractive for the net metering.

Photovoltaic systems for private consumption pay off Photovoltaic systems (PV) that are designed for self-consumption are wor thwhile, considering high electricity prices. Rooftop PV systems can supply electricity that is at least one-third cheaper than grid power.

www.thailand.ahk.de

06 RENEWABLE ENERGY

“Thailand’s Power Development Plan (PDP) aims for a considerable expansion of renewable energy by more than 17 gigawatts from 2021 to 2037.”

However, investors design their PV systems without feeding power into the public grid.

Factory owners, real estate companies and other businesses with vacant spaces perceive the benefits of their own solar systems. In 2020, ERC already registered 1,057 solar power systems installed by independent power suppliers (IPS) with a total capacity of 526 MW. However, an IPS must also apply for an operating permit and several licences but will receive tax subsidies.

System providers, who sell systems based on an operator model, and consulting firms have been focusing on this growing market for industrial rooftop systems. Therefore, the PV industry has joined forces and formed for example the Thai Photovoltaic Industries Association, which has more than 100 members.

More biomass and biogas projects to be implemented Over 1,000 MW of biomass and biogas plants for captive consumption have been already installed. And more than 3,500 MW of bioenergy systems are connected to the grid. Thailand is for example the fifth-largest producer of sugar in the world. Mitr Phol, Khon Kaen Sugar, KTIS and other sugar companies already installed several bioenergy thermal power plants using sugar cane.

UPDATE 4/2021

In addition, ERC has registered another 30 projects for which electricity purchase agreements have already been signed or notified and have not yet started operations.

The biomass power plants will have a total capacity of 434 MW and the two approved biogas plants can generate 7 MW. Thailand is an agricultural country with rich and various biomass sources. Depending on the region, important fuels for biomass power plants are bagasse, rice straw, corn, cassava, oil palm and rubberwood. The renewable energy depar tment of the Ministr y of Ener gy promotes also the cultivation and energy use of Napier grass.

Contact details: Thomas Hundt Director Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos GERMANY TRADE & INVEST www.gtai.com

RENEWABLE ENERGY 07

www.thailand.ahk.de

08 RENEWABLE ENERGY

Empowering the world compassionately Corporate Communications, B.Grimm B.Grimm Power’s goal is to enlarge the propor tion of clean power in its overall energy por tfolio, as par t of the effor t to reduce global warming and take care of the environment in a sustainable way Thailand has long been promoting and supporting energy development, especially in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Among the country’s leading players in renewable energy is B.Grimm Power, an energy company under the umbrella of B.Grimm, Thailand’s oldest German-Thai infrastructure developer founded in 1878.

At present, the 143-year-old B.Grimm is a conglomerate active in building and industrial systems, health care, lifestyle, transportation, real estate, digital technologies and energy businesses.

B.Grimm started its energy business in 1993 by pioneering Thailand’s emerging private power generation industry with B.Grimm Power as its investment arm. Today, B.Grimm Power, with the vision of “Empowering the World Compassionately”, is one of Kingdom’s leading industrial power producers, and has been focusing on cleaner energy production through its co-generation and renewable energy power plants. The company has been a listed public company limited since 2017.

In view of global climate change, B.Grimm Power has expanded its renewable energy business and has already produced a notable

UPDATE 4/2021

amount of renewable energy (solar, hydro- and wind power plants) in Thailand and many different countries, including Vietnam, South Korea, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos.

In 2019, B.Grimm Power successfully inaugurated the commercial operation of the largest solar power generation project in South-East Asia in Tay Ninh, south-west Vietnam. This year, the B.Grimm Power-Energy China consortium has brought a new era for renewable energy development in Thailand by successfully completing work at the world’s largest hydro-floating solar hybrid project at the Sirindhorn Dam for the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The work includes the installation of seven sets of solar cell panels, buoys, a concrete underwater anchor system, and a switchgear building at the site in nor th-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province.

The solar farm at Sirindhorn Dam covers a surface area of more than 450 rai (one rai = 1,600 m2) of the dam’s reservoir. The solar panels and related equipment are mounted on buoys made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) that is not harmful to aquatic animals or the environment. The solar panels used for the scheme are the double glass type and the system is moisture resistant, able to withstand water movement of the reservoir and a constant wind force.

RENEWABLE ENERGY 09

Another factor driving B.Grimm Power into the solar rooftop business is a requirement for long-term maintenance services for the system. As a result, most of the contracts with customers last 15-25 years during which a long-term relationship between the company and clients is forged to jointly create clean energy. Such ties also pave the way for the concerned parties to transform business gains into social benefits to reflect B.Grimm Power’s vision of “Empowering the World Compassionately.”

“The solar rooftop business model is in response to social and environmental needs as well as help us to build long-term partnerships with customers. Today, the solar rooftop has made us more accessible and easier for others to understand what it means to conduct business with compassion,” said Dr. Harald Link.

“By expanding the renewable energy business to cover solar rooftops and floating solar, B.Grimm Power can offer a distribution and maintenance model to customers in an integrated and effective manner and be capable of addressing environmental issues.”

The system shares various existing resources at the dam including transformers, transmission lines and high voltage stations, thus making the operation cost-effective by translating into lower tariffs. It also helps to reduce greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions by about 47,000 tonnes per year.

“We are pleased and proud to be a par t of the endeavour that brings a new era for renewable energy development in Thailand by integrating solar and hydroelectric power in a hybrid system,” according to Dr. Harald Link, Chairman and President of B.Grimm Power.

B.Grimm Power is also committed to expediting its solar rooftop business in the country and overseas. The emphasis on solar rooftops is in response to greater awareness of clean energy use to tackle environmental issues. At this juncture, B.Grimm Power is committed to supporting and collaborating with organisations around the world to increase the share of clean energy in the overall power portfolio in order to deal with global warming problems and take care of the environment in a sustainable way.

By expanding the renewable energy business to cover solar rooftops and floating solar, B.Grimm Power can offer a distribution and maintenance model to customers in an integrated and effective manner and be capable of addressing environmental issues. These are critical factors explaining why the company is proactively pursuing the solar rooftop business.

B .Gr imm Power has been negotiating and studying the possibility of expanding investment in renewable energy projects in many countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines.

Currently, B.Grimm Power has a total of 50 power plants in commercial operation. The company aims to ramp up its total installed capacity from 3,058 MW at the end of 2020 to at least 7,200 MW of secured PPA by 2025 and to 10,000 MW by 2030 with annual revenue of more than 100 billion baht being targeted. More importantly, B.Grimm Power is moving strenuously towards realising net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Contact details: Prapai Kraisornkovit Senior Vice President Corporate Communications B.Grimm Power Public Co., Ltd. Tel: + 66 2710 3041 prapai.k@bgrimmpower.com www.bgrimmpower.com

www.thailand.ahk.de

10 RENEWABLE ENERGY

X marks the spot – sustainability’s une-X-pected treasure trove Sandra Au

With no country untouched by climate change, governments, organisations and stakeholders are galvanizing effor ts for a global energy transition. Through extensive collaboration and large-scale investments, the momentum for the decarbonisation of key sectors and economies has reached fever pitch.

Green hydrogen plays a primary role in fronting this change, with its potential to simultaneously meet the world’s growing appetite for energy while realising net-zero ambitions for a sustainably energized future.

According to the United Nations, around 770 million people still lack access to electricity. With alleviating measures delayed

by Covid-19, it remains probable that a population nearly twice that of the United States will continue to experience restricted electricity access until 2030. On top of that, it is predicted that global energy demand will increase by around 25 per cent through 2040, with emission levels consequently increasing in tandem.

While fossil fuels remain dominant in the energy sector, advances in clean energy solutions and renewables make them increasingly cost-effective and viable for large-scale adoption.

On the demand side, combining innovative technologies and fostering ecosystem par tnerships with public and private stakeholders has significantly accelerated adoption.

A match made in heaven – coupling sectors and Power-to-X Green technology and innovation can help to bridge the sustainability gap and drive decarbonisation among energy-heavy industries. Despite a sharp focus on decarbonising the electricity sector, it only accounts for about 40 per cent of total carbon emissions. Usage-heavy sectors like mobility, building, industry and heating constitute the bulk of total emissions.

Sector coupling can suppor t the decarbonisation agenda, reducing primary fossil fuel consumption by up to 50 per cent.

Enter Power-to-X, a process that converts electrical energy to liquid or gaseous chemical energy sources. When combined with sector coupling, Power-to-X is the key to creating closed CO 2 cycles and CO 2 -neutr al infrastructures.

It enables energy-dense synthetic fuels (e-fuels) to be generated from renewable electrical energy. E-fuels are sustainable, carbon-neutral and easily stored, including e-methanol, e-methane, e-jet fuel and e-diesel.

Most crucially, they can be mixed with conventional fuels to reduce the latter’s carbon content over time without the need to change existing vehicle or fuel logistics infrastructure. This is critical for adoption by long-haul heavy transportation in the marine and aviation sectors, where the potential for electromobility is limited or non-existent.

UPDATE 4/2021

RENEWABLE ENERGY 11

Globally, 70 million to 80 million tonnes of hydrogen are produced annually, mainly by steam methane reforming or autothermal reforming. How hydrogen is produced determines the extent of how climatefriendly the resulting product is.

Each type is labelled by colour – from the least sustainable grey hydrogen (from fossil fuels), to blue hydrogen (steam methane reforming of natural gas), to the cleanest option (green hydrogen from water electrolysis powered by renewable energy such as solar and wind).

Battle of the ‘x’-es In line with our commitment to supporting the transition to a sustainable world, it only makes sense that Siemens Energy produces green hydrogen via the Power-to-X process.

This process uses water electrolysis powered by renewable electrical energy derived from excess electricity produced by wind or solar farms, which would otherwise result in a temporar y shut down or reduction in electrical grid activity due to oversupply.

When sustainably produced, hydrogen empowers the decarbonization of industry, transport and the built environment – which combined, produce more than half of the global carbon emissions. For example, energy-efficient hydrogen fuel cells are set

“ Green technology and innovation can help to bridge the sustainability gap and drive decarbonisation among energy-heavy industries.” to replace diesel engines for trains and are a sustainable alternative to electric-vehicle batter ies in car s and heavy vehicles, circumventing limitations such as long charge times as well as maximum mobility ranges.

Hydrogen’s many applications also include hydrocarbon cracking in refineries, fat hardening in food production, and as a component in ammonia phosphate and urea.

It can also be used as direct fuel for mobility or as feedstock for various industries.

As more sectors explore clean alternatives to fossil fuels, the demand for green hydrogen is expected to increase in the coming years.

Using a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis system splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, powered by renewable electricity, which makes the entire process completely free of CO 2. While intermittent supply is an oft-cited challenge to a system reliant on renewable energy, Siemens Energy’s intuitive and elegant solution is its Silyzer product line that dynamically responds to power fluc tuations. By storing energy when available in

abundance, and subsequently tapping into this reserve during periods of low power supply, it maximises efficiency in the production of renewable green hydrogen production.

In combination with other energy-efficient technologies such as heat pumps, electromobility and combined heat and power plants, Power-to-X is essential for reducing carbon emissions and for building a sustainably energised society. It enables a smooth, gradual transition from a fossil fuel world to a carbon-free one by steadily increasing the sustainable content in fuels and making green hydrogen a cost-effective option.

Mr. Markus Lorenzini, Managing Director of Siemens Energy Thailand (Cambodia, the Lao PDR and Myanmar) and Siemens Energy Philippines, strongly attests to green hydrogen’s game-changing ability to revolutionise energy systems.

He draws attention to the first order of business, whereby “the challenge now is to scale up the production and bring green hydrogen to other sectors in order to electrify the entire ecosystem. No matter which transition phase companies are in, Siemens Energy is committed to suppor ting the decarbonization of the entire energy system.”

Contact details: Vasinee Sukumwattanakij Communications Siemens Energy Limited Vasinee.sukumwattanakij@siemensenergy.com Tel: +66 61 413 2530 https://www.siemens-energy.com/apac

www.thailand.ahk.de

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Biogas – A major source of Thailand’s renewable energy power supply Hans-D. Westphal

One of the classic sources of renewable energy in Thailand is the production of biogas, due to the vast industry of food and agricultural products. These industries generate large amounts of waste water and other waste products that are suitable for producing biogas. Typical operators of such plants are the starch industry as well as breweries, palm oil and ethanol producers, and general food products and the beverage industries. The starch, palm and ethanol industries are the biggest players in this field; however, due to various factors, the capital expenses (CapEx) are usually kept at a quite low level with few exceptions. Outside the industrial sector the animal farms are also operating biogas systems, mostly applying quite simple technologies.

One of the factors is that this is a seasonal business and some plants operate only a few months per year. This leads to low efficiency and availability. Many plants have received special Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with motivating feed-in tariffs from the local

UPDATE 4/2021

grid, while others have been unable to obtain them due to shor tage of feeders being available.

German technology has always been promoted but compared with the opportunities and high-efficiency technologies available, relatively little business has been recorded; instead, cheaper local, simple covered lagoon systems have been preferred. These systems work with relatively low efficiency and availability, but still seem to satisfy the owners who earn the larger part of their income from producing actual products such as starch, palm oil and ethanol.

RENEWABLE ENERGY 13

The Energy for All programme is a major step in the right direction and increases the contribution to the share of renewables.

However, no margins in plant failures are allowed, and the feedstock has a price and take-off commitments to the farming communities plus a limited storage timeframe after harvesting.

“ Big hopes for biogas came with the Energy for All programme. However, in the past two years output has been heavily reduced from the initial 700 MW to only 75 MW.” The PPAs granted are on the basis of ‘non-firm’, meaning there is no need to actual sell the amount of megawatts for which the PPAs are granted. Those businesses with no PPA, or where the feedstock exceeds the amount of granted PPA, are utilizing the biogas in their own factories either for power generation or as boiler fuel, which is attractive enough since it replaces other fossil fuels or buying power from the grid.

Besides, gas engine generators can work as a Co-generation or Tri-generation (Co- or Tri-gen) solution that can produce chilled water by absorption chilling, or produce steam, hot oil etc.

However, for most factories the efficiency of such systems is still low and leaves plenty of room for optimisations, which more and more plants are considering and implementing. Retech Energy Co., Ltd., together with its technology partners, is one of the most widely known names in this field and thus considers itself to be a local company that knows the needs of the market but still can offer the benefits of international technology. Complete biogas plants can be acquired. In fact, and quite a few such systems have been successfully running for many years, including gas treatment minimising the H2S in biogas, gas coolers and power generation.

Big hopes for biogas came with the Energy for All programme. However, in the past two years output has been heavily reduced from the initial 700 MW to only 75 MW. This programme is based on purposely planted energy crops and has given farming communities all over Thailand the oppor tunity to participate in such projects by planting Napier grass as a feed stock, harvesting as well as shareholding in such plants.

The sudden drop to pilot plant level of only 75 MW left many participants disappointed since many were supported by the local communities, and the final bidding on the feed in tariff FIT reduced the total number to approximately 25 plants with just 3 MW each. This is a great opportunity for German know-how, since Germany operates almost 10,000 biogas plants using energy crops, and most are running with high availability of more than 95% thru the year.

The difference here is that an energy crop has to be factored in as a cost compared to waste water and other organic waste, which is available free to the plant owners and at the same time solves disposal costs and environmental issues, such as the reduction of CO2 emissions etc.

After the PPAs are issued, Retech Energy is a very active proposer of such systems based on German know-how, but with local and competitive costs. To operate such a system, special software progr ams have been developed to help running such plants with as little human interference as possible, guaranteeing a stable process. In addition, biological support and maintenance is offered to further contribute to steady gas and power production. However, there is very little space for trial-and-error since the margin between the operating expenses (OPEX) and revenue from power sales is rather small. In order to bridge the gap between daily supply of Napier grass, this programme also allows a feedstock mix of up to 25 per cent of other organic waste to ensure a continuous operation.

In addition to solar power and other echnologies, biogas will always be a main contributor to renewable energy power generation in Thailand due to its agri-based industries. There is plenty of room for additional systems, since much waste water still remains untreated, together with the optimization of existing plants.

Contact details: Hans-D. Westphal Managing Director Retech Energy Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 6788921-2 hans.westphal@retech-energy.com www.retech-energy.com

www.thailand.ahk.de

14 RENEWABLE ENERGY

Thai BCG economy thriving on rich biodiversity and technological strengths Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) Thailand is embracing the Bio-, Circular and Green Economy (BCG) model for focusing on applying technology to further enhance the market values of agribusiness products and the service sector, and transforming towards an environmentally-oriented economy, BCG is creating significant business opportunities in Thailand, while enabling the people to take urgent actions against climate change.

Thailand is well-positioned to become a global investment destination for BCG, thanks to its vibrant agribusiness industry, advances in biotechnology, distinctive ser vice sector, growing consciousness of environmental challenges and concrete government support.

A study by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation shows that the estimated value of activities in a BCG economy could grow to one-fourth of the Thailand’s gross domestic products (US$ 137 billion) by 2025 from one-fifth at present.

Based on this trend, Thailand’s economic g r ow t h w i l l b e d r i ve n by i n c r e a s i n g competitiveness in four key industries i.e., agribusiness, bioenergy and biochemicals, medical and wellness ser vices as well as tourism and a creative economy.

UPDATE 4/2021

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) is currently offering investment promotion incentives to a wide range of activities in BCG, most notably biotechnology, biochemical production, biogas and biomass energy generation, food and animal feed production, energy ser vice companies (ESCO) and recycling facilities.

The BOI recently broadened eligible activities in the agr ibusiness industr y to cover investment projects that are applying plant factory technology. The enhanced incentive programmes also cover activities related to the farming process, including silo and cold stor age room oper ations, animal feed production, and manufacture of agricultural by-products that apply technologies to improve ener gy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

These incentives, combined with the investment promotions that the BOI previously offered to investment projects that adopt smart farming technologies – such as computerized testing and screening of seeds, drone for plantation inspection and the use of modern agri-tech – are among Thailand’s moves to boost “precision agriculture” which

will improve the competitiveness of the farm sector.

Thailand boasts the presence of many research and development powerhouses that are a result of the country’s continued efforts to strengthen institutions and human resource to support biotechnology during the past decades. Most notably, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS), National Omics Center, Bio Center of Excellence and science academies have advanced the countr y’s research and development used in the agricultural sector, environmental management and health care through improved strains of economic crops, gene therapy and vaccine development for tropical diseases.

To fur ther suppor t Thailand’s development in research and development (R&D), the Government of Thailand has introduced a policy to nearly double the country’s spending in R&D to 2 per cent of the gross domestic product by 2027, compared with 1.1% in 2019. The policy calls for the Government to offer additional tax and non-tax incentives to ramp up the private sector’s R&D spending,

RENEWABLE ENERGY 15

with the objectives that it contributes to three-fourths of the total spending target and increases the public sector’s spending on R&D. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science , Research and Innovation has reoriented Thailand’s ter tiar y education curriculums to ensure that graduates are equipped with skills that match the demand from businesses, especially for the industries identified as the country’s new sources of growth, including BCG. Thailand is pursuing the goal becoming the leader in the BCG economy or the “Bio Hub” among the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by 2027 with a plan to improve competitiveness in industries that underpin growth, particularly processed foods, biochemicals and medical and wellness sector. The collective efforts by Thailand’s public and private sectors and academia as well as its advantages in bioeconomy ecosystem are poised to propel the country towards ASEAN’s top position in the BCG economy in the foreseeable future.

Thriving food and farm technology The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored Thailand’s competitiveness as a major global expor ter of food and processed food products, as its international shipments of these products have continued during the health crisis. The Government of Thailand has earmarked a budget of US$ 213 million for the Ministr y of Industr y to implement action plans to fur ther enhance global competitiveness and value-added of Thai food products during the next seven years, given the industr y’s sizeable employment and significance in the local industrial supply chains.

The plan targets upgrading the processing of products such as rice, fisheries, vegetables and fruit, livestock and bio-food, by applying digital technology to facilitate innovations, developing them to a commercial scale, upgrade packaging as well as assisting entrepreneurs to access the global market.

As people’s health and environmental consciousness grows, Thailand has a proliferation of a new breed of entrepreneurs in the production of healthy diets such as plant- and insect-based proteins and organic products.

“The government target is that renewable energy and waste-to-energy technologies will replace around one-third Thailand’s total energy consumption...”

Thailand aims to enhance the diversification and differentiation of food products and upgrade more of them towards becoming products of higher value, such as future healthy food and functional ingredients that will be used to produce healthy diets, medical food and cosmeceuticals.

Growing a circular economy Thailand is embracing the circular economy model which focuses on economic transformation towards the greatest use of resources, minimum new resource inputs and waste reduction. While serving as the Thai people’s approach towards environmental challenges, the circular economy’s three key principles of reduce, reuse and recycle together with the zero-waste business model are emerging as one of Thailand’s most promising opportunities across employment spectrums. These spectrums range from local communities to small and medium-sized businesses and corporates. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has also adopted the circular economy as a framework for operations.

Growing environmental consciousness among Thai people and their rich creativity have created numerous businesses in the country’s circular economy, as evidenced by the proliferation of recycle and reuse activities as well as eco-friendly product designs and services. This includes, for example, businesses that turn agricultural raw materials into housing and decorative items, recycle old textile threads and reuse certain construction materials in new projects.

Impor tantly, Thailand’s vast production of agricultural raw materials such as cassava, sugar cane and palm oil, coupled with the established agribusiness supply chain, have fuelled local renewable energy and waste-toenergy industries.

The Thai Ministr y of Energy’s Integrated Energy Blueprint calls for significant growth of biomass, biogas and electricity from municipal

and agricultural waste over the next 15 years, serving the efforts to boost incomes in the farm sector and the grassroots economy as well as strengthen the country’s plans for environment restoration.

The Government target is that renewable energy and waste-to-energy technologies will replace around one-third Thailand’s total energy consumption, creating significant new opportunities for local communities to turn agricultural raw materials and waste into energy within the timeframe.

The business of Going Green By promoting the Green Economy concept, Thailand is transforming its transpor tation n e t wo r k s , m a n u f a c t u r i n g p r o c e s s e s , consumer behaviour, urban development and environmental management to achieve lower carbon dioxide emissions.

The biochemical industr y is one of the country’s targeted industries as it has the ability to add significant value to r aw agricultural products such as sugar cane and rice husks, which are used to produce polylactide to feed the manufacture of bioplastic products. Such products are currently among the country’s top exports items.

Under the Public-Private Par tnership for Sustainable Plastic and Waste Management (PPP Plastic), Thai corporates are collaborating with the Government to reduce the use of plastic materials by replacing plastic with biodegradable materials. The Government’s Plastic Waste Management Roadmap calls for all plastic waste to be reused by 2027.

For further details about the privileges, conditionality and application process, please visit www.boi.go.th Source: Thailand Investment Review (TIR), Toward Thailand’s BCG Era, vol. 30, June 2020. Available at https://www.boi.go.th/upload/content/TIR_Newsletter _June2020.pdf

www.thailand.ahk.de

16 INTERVIEW

EGAT - Developing Sustainable Energy for Thailand

Mr. Prasertsak Cherngchawano, Deputy Governor - Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is a state-owned power utility and the largest power producer in Thailand. EGAT provides energy-related services and keeps expanding its business in order to build Thailand up as a sustainable energy country. UPDATE is pleased to present an exclusive interview with Mr. Prasertsak Cherngchawano, EGAT Deputy Governor - Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy, with the focus on the roadmap to a sustainable energy future in Thailand.

Since EGAT is a state-owned power utility under the Ministry of Energy, what are its key activities and services, especially regarding renewable energy?

Our main activities and services are generating and transmitting electricity from renewable energy resources for the whole country as well as bulk electric energy sales. We own and operate 24 hydropower plants, which are located at 26 dams across the country. Moreover, we also have photovoltaic (PV) plants, which produce electricity from three types of PV projects, namely rooftop solar panels, ground-mounted solar farms, and floating solar, which is our current ongoing project. Apart from hydropower and PV energy, we also have a small geothermal plant in Chiang Mai province for smaller-scale power generation and direct use.

However, there were some small pilot wind power projects that we have not yet developed further due to limitation imposed by Thailand’s geography.

What is the best renewable energy resource for Thailand?

Thailand is in a transition towards renewable energy. There are two sectors in terms of the use of renewable energy resources: the development of renewable energy projects for the electricity generation sector and the industrial, business, and transpor tation sectors. In the latter sectors, many renewable energy resources are used. On the other hand, in the electricity generation sector, the main renewable energy resource is hydropower. Currently, there is an

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installed capacity of 46,000 MW from hydropower; however, according to the Power Development Plan 2018-2037 (PDP2018), Thailand will have a hydropower capacity of between 70,000 and 80,000 MW by 2036.

Thailand aims to generate around 35 percent of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2036 (based on PDP). One of the projects for achieving this goal is “the world’s largest hydro-floating solar hybrid.” Please share with us details of these new ongoing projects.

There is a total of 16 projects of hydro-floating solar hybrid in nine dams across the country.

EGAT together with B.Grimm, our subcontractor, are working on these projects, in which B.Grimm operates the whole engineering, procurement, and construction (EP C) as p e c ts . Be c aus e s o la r power generation is limited as it can only generate electricity from the sun during daytime, EGAT’s Hydro-floating Solar Hybrid Project at Sirindhorn Dam utilizes a synergy of hydro and solar energy generation at the same site.

Floating solar, which is being developed, is similar to a normal solar farm, but the solar

INTERVIEW 17

panels are mounted on buoys on the water surface instead of on the ground. The buoys and mooring system are made from HighDensity Polyethylene (HDPE), which is not harmful to animals and the environment. The panels in these projects are double glass solar panels that are suitable for installing on water surfaces. Made of glass on the top and bottom, they are highly resistant to moisture and will not contaminate the water. Thus, they are safe and efficient for use in electricity generation.

According to PDP2018, all projects will be completed in 18 years, but EGAT will shorten this period to five years. Thus, Thailand could save more than 100 billion baht in expenditure on the impor ted natural gas cost. Moreover, there are 24 small hydropower projects at dams in addition to the hydrofloating solar hybrid projects. At the end of these projects, Thailand will be able to generate more than enough electricity from renewable energy for the whole country, including for electric vehicles.

What is the current situation in the renewable energy sector in Thailand?

The propor tion of renewable energy is continuously being increased, especially in the past three to five years. The greatest increase in the use of renewable energy is from solar power, since the decrease in its production cost has made it a worthwhile investment by the industrial and business sectors as well as the private sector, such as for large houses.

“There is a total of 16 projects of hydro-floating solar hybrid in nine dams across the country... According to PDP2018, all projects will be completed in 18 years, but EGAT will shorten this period to five years. Thus, Thailand could save more than 100 billion baht in expenditure on the imported natural gas cost.”

What is Thailand’s competitive advantage in comparison to other countries in ASEAN?

is not our competitive advantage, since the weather in all countries in ASEAN seems to be similarly sunny; Thailand would have an advantage in producing solar panels in comparison to some countries in ASEAN, such as Vietnam. Therefore, Thailand’s first competitive advantage in producing renewable energy would be our hydro-floating solar hybrid, since most of the countries in ASEAN utilize their lands for agriculture and gain profits from the agricultural products. Therefore, these agricultural areas are not generally used for ground solar farms, which provide less profit for the countries.

In my opinion, there are several competitive advantages. First of all, although solar power

More specifically, generating one MW of solar energy would require around eight rai* of ground area. Thus, it would need a huge area of land for solar power generation in order to

* One rai equals 1,600 m2.

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18 INTERVIEW

What are other ongoing renewable energy projects operated by EGAT? Thailand’s wind power is still limited as it depends on proper wind speeds found in certain areas such as Nakhon Si Thammarat province in southern Thailand. Therefore, EGAT has a wind hydrogen hybrid project and a learning centre at Lamtakong Dam in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The hydrogen batteries can be used for generated power storage as well as power distributors. Thus, the use of hydrogen energy is the substitute for the use of fossil fuel in our plants and the learning centre. Moreover, we are also developing another learning centre project n renewable energy for students and the general public. be able to meet the electricity demand of a whole country. On the other hand, installing solar panels on a water surface would require slightly larger areas of around 10 rai, since an appropriate distance within buoys is taken into account in order that the sunlight is able to get to the water and sustain the environment.

On the whole, Thailand has an advantage in terms of generating solar power without losing profits from the agricultural sector. Secondly, Thailand already has a power system infrastructure, such as generators, transmission system, transformers, and the use of space for maximum benefit. This potentially can save a considerable amount of costs, which further results in cheaper electricity tariffs. The last advantage would be that establishing floating solar plates will keep the local economy flowing. Most of the building materials are manufactured in Thailand, so we don’t have any import costs on the one side, and support local businesses on the other side.

What challenges exist for Thailand’s renewable power generation and transmission?

Apart from the challenge of limited areas for the ground solar farms, the only challenge would be the rules and regulations of renewable energy plants, from generation to distribution. They are totally complex and take a long time to be approved. I think that not only Thailand, but many countries are also facing this challenge. However, EGAT already has experience in this issue from our previous renewable energy projects, so the rules and regulations process would not be a big issue for EGAT in the future.

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How can the private and non-governmental sectors contribute to renewable energy projects in order to achieve the renewable energy goal?

On the one hand, they are able to join our bidding for many projects and become our sub-contractors, as B.Grimm mentioned earlier. EGAT still has a high demand for the rest of its hydro-floating solar hybrid projects, which have a total capacity of 2,725 MW. On the other hand, they can become our partner or participate in a joint venture, such as in manufacturing solar panels, producing buoys, constr ucting the moor ing system, or developing the whole system. Therefore, both private and non-governmental sectors are very welcome to join and help EGAT and Thailand achieve the renewable energy goal.

Interviewed by Chadaphan Maliphan and Kanisa Kongsantad, GTCC team

INTERVIEW 19

Biogas offers a sustainable energy future for Thailand Dr. Stephen P. Etheridge, Chief Executive Officer of Biotrix Asia Thailand is rapidly developing the use of biogas in agriculture and industry, and has become the South-East Asian region’s leading biogas expert. PlanET together with its local partner in Asia, Biotrix Asia, have been developing biogas technology to help create a sustainable future for Thailand and other parts of Asia. This exclusive interview with Dr. Stephen P. Etheridge, Chief Executive Officer of Biotrix Asia, highlights the great opportunities and advantages offered by the biogas sector in Thailand.

Can you please explain briefly what biogas is and what are the benefits of its use?

Biogas is a naturally occurring mixture of mostly methane and carbon dioxide (CO2) that occurs as a result of the natural microbial breakdown of organic matter. Examples include marsh gas as well as cow and human flatulence.

We can harness the process to breakdown or ganic matter, known as “Anaerobic Digestion”, to produce gas from industrial effluents and animal wastes, sludge from sewage works as well as crop materials. Then we can use the gas as a boiler fuel or to generate electricity. In many cases, if we don’t produce biogas from wastes, they will not only

pollute the environment, but biogas will occur naturally as a result of microbial breakdown in rivers and ponds. The result is the release of harmful greenhouse gases. Therefore, biogas technology is a win-win process. It reduces pollution as well as generating renewable energy.

Biogas is considered as a form of sustainable energy. Is the transportation of organic matter taken into account?

Most of the digester s in the wor ld are located at sewage treatment plants, farms and factories. Generally, no transpor tation is involved. The waste flows to the digester from the source by gravity, or through pumps and pipes. In centralised purpose-built biogas plants used to treat organic materials such as crop residue, grass and animal wastes, the feedstock has to be delivered to the site, so all transport costs and environmental impacts from the transpor t need to be taken into account.

Critically, digestate – the product from the digester – will still be rich in nitrogen and

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20 INTERVIEW

nutrients and should be transported back to the fields to close the “nutrient cycle” and ensure that no chemical fertilisers are needed.

As biogas is a biological and flammable product how can the risk of explosion be reduced?

In practice, methane needs to be diluted to between around 5-15% in the air to be potentially explosive. However, the presence of an iner t gas, CO2, reduces this window further and makes it more difficult to ignite.

On top of that, biogas is normally produced fully saturated. It comes out of a warm digester at 35ºC, with 100% humidity. So this reduces the flammability.

There is always a risk of an explosion, if biogas escapes from a pipe or plastic cover of a tank and is diluted with air. Biogas should generally be considered the same as natural gas, and so long as the same precautions and safety practices are used there should be no problems. However, there should be no smoking on site, and regular testing and safety checks should be carried out. Natural gas is generally considered to be a safe fuel for all practical purposes.

What are your perspectives for the biogas sector in Thailand in comparison to Europe?

What are the similarities and key differences of the two areas that would support or discourage the growth of the sector?

The market is very different between Europe and Thailand. Generally, biogas projects in Thailand are in the 2-8 Megawatt electrical (MWe) range for most agro-industrial wastes like starch, ethanol, and palm oil. There are only a couple of examples of digesters being used in Thailand to process crop materials and these, like European examples, are on a very small scale, mostly in the 0.2-0.5 MWe range.

The very warm ambient temperatures in Thailand mean that nearly all digesters are unheated and operate at ambient temperatures. As a result, sophisticated lagoonbased bioreactors are often preferred by the customer as they are up to 10 times cheaper

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than tank-based digesters. Tank-based European technologies have to take all these factors into account in order to compete in the Thai market.

Different parts of Europe have varying incentives to develop biogas projects, often by offering preferential rates to buy electricity generated from renewable sources. This was the case in Germany during the past 20 years, but these incentives have now mostly gone and very few new biogas plants are being built. Currently, however, there are significant incentives in France where many biogas plants are under construction by PlanET. The growth in the Thai biogas sector was largely driven by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Clean Development Mechanism (UNFCCC CDM) incentives which failed when the carbon market collapsed. There were some local incentives, but during the past five years it has not been possible for new biogas plants to supply electricity to the national grid. As a result, there has been almost no development of the Thai biogas sector.

The similarities are incentive-driven. The differences relate to the environmental conditions and difference in scale, as already mentioned.

“Clearly there are very exciting biogas sector opportunities coming, but the question is when are they likely to come?”

What opportunities in Thailand does PlanET see and what would you bring to the table when it comes to the Thai biogas market?

Thailand has committed to developing numerous biogas plants based on Napier grass, giving local farmers the opportunity to grow a wider range of crops. PlanET technology is optimised for such substrates and has more than 500 reference plants in this sector. Together with our local partner, Biotrix Asia, PlanET hopes to deliver many successful biogas plants in the near-future to a range of investors and developers in the Napier grass sector.

However, the programme has suffered numerous delays since its original planned start date early in January 2020. Even the most recent deadline for announcing successful candidates on 16 August 2021 was delayed, so the programme has not really started. This is the big opportunity for which everyone has been waiting.

What challenges have you have faced in the Thai biogas market from the beginning of your business operations until now? What is the most important challenge?

Thailand has developed an attractive Feed-in-Tarif scheme, some years ago, but no awards have been granted so far. There are ambitious Policies in place for the production of renewable energy, and for the sale of electricity to the national grid, but there has been little implementation in recent years. This is a big issue. We have a very attractive Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP), but very little progress has been made in the biogas sector. In addition, there have been nearly two years of delays in national programmes such as Napier Grass to Biogas, coupled with a lack of environmental enforcement.

The legislation is very strict, in many cases even more than in Europe; however, the question is, how is it being enforced?

INTERVIEW 21

The most important challenge is probably the lack of market access for selling electricity to the grid, and without it biogas business is limited.

How does the Thai government co-operate and support the private sector’s involvement, especially the biogas sector, in order to build Thailand up as a sustainable country?

PlanET provides a one-stop service for biogas plants, including an in-house laboratory for biological service and process optimisation. How do you implement your biogas technology in Thailand?

The objectives of the Alternative Energy Development plan are very ambitious, and as far as biogas is concerned, the government plan for an additional 600 MWe to be installed by 2036. However, the market has remained mostly stagnant for the last 4-5 years, with no access to grid. We have a new Feed in Tarif (FIT) calculation that is very similar to that in Europe and the United States, and many factors for inflation. However, until a licence is awarded, no one can export. As a result, for the past four to five years very few biogas plants have been built, except by one or two new factories that make some electricity for their own production process only.

This is largely under taken through our par tners Biotrix Asia, who have laboratory facilities in the region. Biotrix also has a strong presence in the region and a 20-year track record of under taking waste audits, assessments and construction of biogas plants in a wide range of sectors. Biotrix has also under taken projects for the Thai National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). So Biotrix Asia is well established here and together with PlanET our team can provide complete solutions from tank based crop digesters to some of the largest lagoons digesters in the world.

Moreover, development of the Napier grass programme has still not developed after two years despite the reasonable and attractive incentives available under the Board of

Investment (BoI) scheme for employing foreigners and for tax benefits; However, if there is no market, there is no reason to develop the programme as it depends on the market, so until the Government fulfills its stated objectives, it will remain quite difficult to proceed.

What is PlanET’s future plan for business development in Thailand?

Clearly there are very exciting biogas sector oppor tunities coming, but the question is when are they likely to come? PlanET will keep an active eye on the market through its regional partner, by Biotrix Asia. In addition, Thailand is renowned as the region’s biogas exper ts, so it is a good place to be based for servicing the whole of South East Asia.

Oppor tunities across the region can be accessed from Thailand.

Interview by Kanisa Kongsantad, Trainee, GTCC Events and Communications Department

www.thailand.ahk.de

22 SPECIAL REPORT

BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand CO2 Reduction Programme Juergen Bender

BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand has an ambitious and challenging goal of reducing its overall CO2 footprint by 80 per cent until 2030. In an effor t to achieve this goal, a variety of conditions and technologies have to be integrated to achieve the generation/ consumption balance, the grid condition and TOU tariffs of the energy utility. In a wider sense. At the same time, intelligent management of decentralised loads, storage and generation has to be created, resulting in a virtual power system management solution.

A Vir tual Power Systems Management Solution constitutes a new method of balancing power generation and power consumption. For example, with short-term cur tailment events, up to 9 gigawatts of conventional power plants could be replaced by such solutions from Germany’s industrial and commercial sectors alone.

In an article published in December 2011, the German Federal Minister for the Environment,

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Nature Conser vation and Nuclear Safety defined the five pillars of the Energiewende, Germany’s energy revolution – flexible generation, grid expansion, storage solutions, energy efficiency and Demand Response. Compared to the other options, Demand Response is the fastest, cheapest and greenest infrastructure investment.

SPECIAL REPORT 23

“ BMW has engaged Bender-IS Co., Ltd. to systematically exploit all flexibility potentials by analysing the potential of automated processes within the BMW plant power grid for designing a new, efficient Virtual Power Management Solution.”

In a first attempt, BMW has engaged Bender-IS Co., Ltd. to systematically exploit all flexibility potentials by analysing the potential of automated processes within the BMW plant power grid for designing a new, efficient Virtual Power Management Solution. This can be accomplished through the use of realtime and rule-based software systems and extended data communication from a variety of sources, such as intelligent meters. Such modern forecasting and optimization methodologies provide AI-based, real-time services and are proven solutions in a number of industries. The objective of this approach is to generate pure flexibility and high reliability for the energy system by significantly reducing the overall CO2 emissions.

Bender-IS has proposed basing the project on four main essential activities during an initial analysis phase that aims to outline the selection process of the most appropriate technologies, solutions and overall Roadmap to enable the implementation to achieve the final goal of an 80 per cent CO2 reduction at the BMW plant at the Amata Rayong Industrial Estate. These activities include: • Understanding the actual framework.

Analysing the actual energy scenario, the behaviour and requirements of all current and future processes within the plant’s operations. This also includes the already planned and agreed expansions; • Load prediction analysis. Creating in-depth knowledge of operational behaviours and the influencing factors that will enable the forecasting of their future adoption to the implementation of additional renewable energy sources, and an intelligent energy management solution in the short and long term; • Optimal planning. Creating an optimization model that will provide the most efficient scheduling of the short-term requirements and the optimal planning of the long-term resources, technologies, solutions and investment in additional renewable energy resources.

That also includes the analysis of the effectiveness of potential third parties as value added service providers; • Roadmap. Outlining the timeline and milestones for each step of the implementation process of the various hard and software solutions. Every milestone will be tied to a CO2 reduction target.

Contact details: Juergen Bender Managing Director Bender-IS Co., Ltd. +66 98 263 6859 Juergen.bender@bender-is.com www.bender-is.com

www.thailand.ahk.de

24 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

GTCC CAI Webinar: GTCC-Vehicle Transport Clean Air Initiative – Bosch Mobility Following the launch of “GTCC Clean Air Initiative (CAI) Series – Green Solutions from Germany” to introduce state-of-the-art technologies and solutions for air pollution issues from Germany, GTCC kicked off a successful webinar in the GTCC CAI series on 13 July 2021. The event attracted about 70 participants, including key representatives from relevant Thai governmental organisations and educational institutes. Mr. Andreas Richter, GTCC CAI Working Group Chair/Director, GTCC Board of Directors, delivered opening remarks and introduced the series.

The webinar discussed various topics on clean air technologies and mobility solutions by the speakers from Robert Bosch GmbH: Mr. Dirk Naber, Vice-President, Engineering Diesel Engine and EGT Systems; and Mr. Stephan Gröger, Head of Product Management Business, Field Electrification and Market Segment Electric Vehicles.

Third GTCC Open Forum Our third GTCC Open Forum took place online on 20 July 2021 and was moderated by GTCC Vice President, Ms. Waranya Pratumtin.

A wide range of business situations and opinions as well as speed networking among current and new GTCC member s were fruitfully discussed. Moreover, our members shared their outlook for staffing in the second half of 2021 via a poll; the majority of our members, 56 per cent, said they would not change their staffing plan.

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CHAMBER ACTIVITIES 25

GTCC CAI Webinar Decarbonized Energy Systems (DES)

The second webinar in the GTCC CAI series was held on 10 August 2021, to which the participants were welcomed, and the opening remarks given by Mr. Andreas Richter, GTCC CAI Working Group Chair/Director, GTCC Board of Directors.

The speaker from Siemens Energy Pte. Ltd., Mr. Tobias Kadziela, Director, Sales Operations Asia and Pacific, shared and discussed Siemens Energy’s unique “Decarbonized Energy Systems (DES)” technologies and solutions for air pollution, which are sustainable, affordable and reliable. The systems will benefit customers, society and the changes in the world’s energy sector.

Fourth GTCC Open Forum GTCC once again provided members with a platform for staying connected and for sharing their activities, updates and opinions at the fourth engaging GTCC Open Forum on 17 August 2021. The for um was moderated by Mr. Andreas Richter and it par ticularly focused on the perspectives for the current business environment and impacts of the current pandemic on different businesses, including a flash survey on staff vaccinations.

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26 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

GTCC Webinar: Covid-19 pandemic practical guides for senior executives and HR leaders

On 8 September 2021, the GTCC HR Committee organised its first exclusive webinar for GTCC members. The webinar focused on updates and practical guides on impor tant HR issues during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as wage adjustments, wor k-from-home and staff relocation, employees’ vaccinations, the Social Security

Office (SSO), business closures and issues on employment termination, which were discussed by Mr. Wichai Somboonchokpisal, Partner at Mazars (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The webinar was moderated by the GTCC HR Committee Chair, Mr. Tom Sorensen, Managing Partner at Tom Sorensen (Thailand)

C o. , L t d . T h e G T C C H R C o m m i t t e e established by the Board of the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce aims to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, experience exchanges and relationship-building among HR experts and other professionals.

GTCC CAI Webinar: More fresh air for a healthy, productive and sustainable future The third webinar in the GTCC CAI series took place on 14 September 2021 with a speaker from Siemens, Mr. Engin Caglar, Global Marketing Manager – Sensors, Thermostats, Meters and IoT Devices. Welcoming and closing remarks were delivered by GTCC Executive Director, Dr. Roland Wein.

Siemens shared and discussed its brand news technologies and algorithms for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) to create a healthy building with less energy use. The system is designed and developed to fulfill the different regional requirements and regulations. With the better combination of all technologies and new algorithms from Siemens, a sustainable future is achievable.

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CHAMBER ACTIVITIES 27

German business mission with a focus on technology solutions in the field of civil security A digital business mission for German companies to Thailand with a focus on technology solutions in the field of civil security, was organised between 13 and 17 September 2021 by the GTCC on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), The mission took place within the framework of the foreign market entry programme of BMWi. Participating German companies included 3S Simons Security Systems GmbH, AIRSENSE Analytics

GmbH, BioID GmbH, Neos IT Services GmbH, Perimeter Protection Germany GmbH, Retarus GmbH, Secunet International GmbH & Co. KG – SIG and TASSTA GmbH. The par ticipants focused on cybersecurity solutions, biometric technologies, homeland security, push-to-talk solutions, critical infrastructure protection, access control, sensor array technology and counterfeit protection/consumer protection.

• Kickoff day and a site visit to U-Tapao International Airport On the kick-off day, 13 September 2021, eight participating German technology providers received an overview of Thailand’s economy and investment opportunities by Dr. Alexander Raubold from German Embassy in Thailand, Mr. Thomas Hundt from GTAI and Mr. Marius

Mehner from the GTCC. The briefing session

was followed by an exclusive site visit to U-Tapao

International Airpor t where Vice-Admiral

Worapol Tongpricha, Director-General of the

U-Tapao Airpor t Authority, and Mr. Wirawat

Panthawangkun, CEO of U-Tapao International

Aviation company, welcomed the delegates

and introduced the profile of the airpor t and

its facilities as well as its future scope and

developments.

• German-Thai digital conference on “Civil Security – Advanced Security Solutions” The German-Thai digital conference “Civil Security – Advanced Security Solutions”, which was held on 14 September was successful with the par ticipation of about 80 industry professionals. The conference was organised by GTCC. The eight par ticipating German companies presented their technological solutions developed to serve the current needs of the Thai market. GTCC Executive Director, Dr. Roland Wein and Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Bangkok, Mr. Hans-Ulrich Südbeck delivered the opening remarks, which were followed by insightful market intelligence presented by Lt.-Gen. Dr. Prachya Chalermwat, Secretary-General of the National Cyber Security Committee (NCSC) and Dr. Harald Olschok, CEO of BDSW (Bundesverband der Sicherheitswirtschaft). Industry expert Mr. Prinya Hom-anek, Advisor of the Thailand Information Security Association and Member of the NCSC contributed and shared his perspectives on current technologies.

• GTCC business-to-business matching Following the kickoff of the German business mission and the German-Thai digital conference, “Civil Security – Advanced Security Solutions”, GTCC hosted a business matching session during 15-17 September 2021 for eight participating German companies:

All such meetings are organised and facilitated by team

members of the GTCC to connect German companies

with potential business par tners and relevant market

players operating in Thailand.

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28 GTDEE INSIGHT

Industrial Meister training and development in Thailand On 16 June 2021, GTDEE organised an online meeting on the topic “Industrial Meister Examination Preparation”. This is the first examination for Industrial Meister in Mechatronics. The Thai-Ger man Dual Education and e-Learning Development Institute (TGDE) of King Mongkut University of Technology Nor th Bangkok (KMUTNB), hosted the preparation of the examination under the Meister Training and Development Programme led by Mr. Paul Koelker, German Exper t. Four trainers from Pathum Thani Brewer y will join the fir st batch of this examination in January-February 2022.

Webinar on “EV-Charger Technology” On 25 June 2021, GTDEE and the BMW Group Thailand Training Centre organised a webinar on the topic “EV Car-charging Technology” The keynote speaker was Mr. Natthapong Lor pisanchai, Senior Technical Trainer, BMW Training Centre.

The par ticipants who joined the webinar were technical teachers at the Automotive Depar tment of the Chitralada Vocational School, Don Bosco Technological College, Eas te r n Te c hno lo gic al Co ll eg e , a nd Bangkaewfa Industrial and Communities Education College.

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GTDEE INSIGHT 29

Mechatronics Technical Teacher Training and Development On 13 July 2021, the GTDEE team organised an online meeting with the International Cooperation Center, Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) on the topic “Mechatronics Technical Teachers Training and Development” under the German standard.

At the meeting the GTDEE team shared knowledge on pedagogical competence in project-based learning in the German vocational education system.

Training on “Basic Safety in Electrical Installation” On 14 July 2021, the GTDEE team organised an online training course on the topic “Basic Safety in Electrical Installation”. Students in the Mechatronics programme at the Thai-Austrian Technical College participated in the training course. The training course was led by Mr. Paul Koelker, German Expert in Electronics, TGDE KMUTNB.

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30 GTDEE INSIGHT

Workshop on “Standard of electrical wire in Thailand” On 26 July 2021, GTDEE co-operated with Bangkok Cable Co., Ltd. in organising an online workshop on the topic “Standard of electrical wire in Thailand”. The keynote speaker was Mr. Witchupan Kongpoung, Sale strategy Section Manager engineer at Bangkok Cable, who shared his knowledge on electrical wire standard, technology and safety regulations. The par ticipants in this online workshop were 18 mechatronics students who are studying at the Eastern Technological College.

Examination of AdA International (Train the Trainer) On 30 July 2021, GTDEE/AHK Thailand organised an online examination of AdA International (Train the Trainer) full version.

The examination par ticipants were 13 technical teachers from the Thai German Pre-Engineering School, KMUTNB, who had par ticipated in AdA International training since March 2021, led by Mr. Mar kus Hoffmann, GTDEE Project Director. The AdA examination followed the German standard, GTDEE invited independent examiners comprised representatives from the industrial and academic sectors as well as AHK Thailand.

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GTDEE INSIGHT 31

Meeting with RMUTL for mechatronics development On 3 August 2021, the GTDEE team organised an online meeting with the Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) on the topic “Mechatronics Development under ProjectBased Learning”. The GTDEE team shared its experiences in German-Thai Dual Excellence Education GTDEE such as Project-Based Learning, AdA-International (Train the Trainer) and a mechatronics guidebook. In addition, Dr. Kitcha Chaithanu, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, RMUTL shared knowledge on competencies development for the higher vocational cer tificate (Por-wor-sor programme). The Faculty of Engineering is planning the development of a DVET programme with GTDEE for next year.

Orientation of new students in the mechatronics five-year programme at Don Bosco Bangkok On 5 August 2021, the GTDEE team organised an orientation for new students in the mechatronics five-year programme at Don Bosco Technological College. For students in this group GTDEE plans to develop competencies for the German standard in Mechatronics, Level A (German dual vocational education and training abroad).

Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary study course that combines fundamental skills in mechanics, electronics, automation, computers and IT for designing and building pick and place devices under the project-based learning approach.

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32 GTDEE INSIGHT

Meeting on “Sharing knowledge of the GTDEE programme” On 18 August 2021, the GTDEE team held an online meeting with Mr. Sompong Aiemsamai, Human Resources Country Manager, General Electric Thailand, and Don Bosco Technological College on the topic “Sharing knowledge of the GTDEE programme”. The aim is to create co-operation in developing students who are interested in joining the Dual Vocational Education and Training programme. In this connection, Don Bosco Technological College has started training 16 mechatronics students for the higher vocational certificate (Por-worshor) in 2021.

Workshop on “Mind Mapping” On 23 August 2021, GTDEE organised online training on the topic “Mind mapping, basis of systematic thinking” and “Basis of student contract in vocational education in German system” The par ticipants in this training course came from Pathumthani Brewery Electronics Apprenticeship Programme batch 2021. Five of the apprentices are studying in theoretical subjects at Don Bosco Technological College and tr aining at Pathumthani Brewery Co., Ltd., in Electronics Level A (German dual vocational education and training abroad).

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GTDEE INSIGHT 33

Roundtable on “Securing High-Quality Skilled Labours for Electromobility” On 26 August 2021, the GTDEE team organised webinar on the topic “share knowledge on EV car and technology for DVET Program” by Mr. Conny Vogelsang, Vehicle Mechatronics Meister and Vehicle Appraiser; Mr. Benjamin Baeumer, Engineer in Vehicle Technology and Mr. Daniel Baeumer, Vehicle Mechatronics Meister and High Voltage Technology Exper t. Moderator

by Mr. Markus Hoffmann, GTDEE Project Director and Integrated Expert supported by the Programme Business Scouts for Development of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Dr. Satit Owatchaipong lecturer, from college of Industrial Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok is the translator in German to Thai language and Dr. Kamonsak Suradom GTDEE Senior Manager is the translator from English to Thai language. The participants joined this webinar in total 57 par ticipants from companies, colleges and universities cooperate working with GTDEE.

Training on “PAL Final Examination Part 2” On 29 August 2021, GTDEE organised online training for BMW Service Apprentices b a t c h 2 0 1 9 o n t h e t o p i c “ PA L F i n a l Examination Par t 2”. Apprentices from college partners, i.e., Don Bosco Technological College, Eastern Technological College and Chitralada Vocational School, were invited to join the training and share their knowledge on BMW technological advancement. Asst.

Prof. Direk Choowichien, lecturer at the College of Industrial Technology, KMUTNB, was invited to be the instr uctor. The information gained during the meeting will be included in the PAL final examination, par t 2. The examination will be during October-December 2021.

34 BUSINESS BRIEFS

Mazars in Thailand appoints Jonathan Stuart-Smith as new Tax Partner Mazars has announced the appointment of Jonathan Stuart-Smith as its new tax partner.

Jonathan brings with him a wealth of more than 20 years of experience working in Asia, including Thailand, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, advising companies on crossborder trade and investment. He specializes in international tax, transfer pricing, and transactions, and advises clients in most sectors. He works with large corporations, funds and entrepreneurs.

His expertise will help to ensure that Mazars can meet its commitment to suppor t the business community in Thailand and internationally as well as provide a full range of high-quality and competitive tax services to their clients. Mazars welcomes the addition of Jonathan to their team.

the people, the entrepreneurial culture, and the global partnership of Mazars. We have a strong team of tax professionals, and I look forward to helping our clients with their tax issues in Thailand and across Asia and the Pacific.”

Commenting on his new role, Jonathan said: “I am delighted to join Mazars in Thailand as par tner and tax leader. I am attracted to

Jonathan and his team are ready to assist you with any tax issues. He can be contacted at Jonathan.Stuart-smith@mazars.co.th or visit https://www.mazars.co.th/Home/Services/Tax for more details.

RIS Swiss Section-Deutschsprachige Schule Bangkok introduces new Principal Mr. Christian Vogel has been appointed as the new Principal of RIS Swiss SectionDeutschsprachige Schule Bangkok. After obtaining the Federal Matura (Type B) at the Alte Kantonsschule Aarau, Mr. Vogel gained his first work experience as a lecturer and editor at the Aargauer Zeitung publishing house while studying at the University of Zurich. He then decided to train as a primary and secondary school teacher at the Höhere Pädagogische Lehranstalt HPL in Zofingen.

After two years as a secondary school teacher in Fricktal, he was drawn to the Berufswahlschule Bülach, where he worked as a homeroom teacher and department head for the next 18 years. For the past seven years, after completing his Principal’s training, he was headmaster of the Nägelimoos Secondary School in Kloten and then the Principal of the Hirslanden Secundary School in the Zurichberg school district. He was also the Chief Financial Officer of the Bülach Secondary School Board for five years.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS 35

Thaddaeus Weiss appointed Manager of Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok has appointed Thaddaeus Weiss as Hotel Manager for Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok & The Residences, a promotion from his prior role as Executive Assistant Manager.

Thaddaeus’ career with Kempinski Hotels extends over a decade, during which he developed his considerable knowledge ranging from F&B to sales, and from regional to overall operational roles. He gained this essential experience from Europe, Africa and Asia, finally to Thailand for the pre-opening of the Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok until now as he takes on his new role as Hotel Manager.

“As par t of the team that saw Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok through a successful opening in 2020, I look forward to guiding the way to an auspicious 2021 and beyond as we welcome guests to this luxury garden sanctuary in the centre of Bangkok.”

The Standard Hotels set to open in 2021 and 2022 in Thailand Standard International CEO, Amar Lalvani has announced the debut of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon along with a seaside retreat, The Standard, Hua Hin, as well as The Standard, Ibiza.

The latest additions to the company’s growing por tfolio, The Standard, Hua Hin, The Standard’s first resort in Thailand, will open on 1 December 2021, followed by The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, the brand’s highly anticipated Asia flagship, which will open in 2022.

The Standard is also delighted to announce The Standard, Ibiza, which is slated to open in 2022. These three new properties will kick off a series of 10 additional landmark projects in highly-coveted markets around the world, including Singapore, Melbourne, Lisbon, Dublin, Brussels and Las Vegas.

With 178 guest rooms and 21 pool villas with beachfront access, The Standard, Hua Hin will be a timeless destination for the Thai creative set and The Standard’s global network of loyal clientele.

The Standard brand’s debut in Thailand will be timely as the country is gearing up towards opening its doors to international travellers amid the flexible travel restrictions and mass inoculation programmes.

Today, Hua Hin is a favourite weekend escape for residents of Bangkok who have been waiting for exactly what The Standard promises to offer – a stylish and vibrant beachfront resort that respects Hua Hin’s

understated Thai elegance together with appreciation of the area’s history and local setting, and combines it with a global sensibility and a bit of fun.

Learn more about the Standard brand’s upcoming expansion into Bangkok and Hua Hin, and plan your visit to The Standard, Hua Hin now with a special opening offer, by visiting https://www.standardhotels.com/ hua-hin/properties/hua-hin

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36 MEMBERS’ CORNER

New GTCC members up to 30 September 2021

German-Thai Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomes 13 new members

Advocates Moser & Partner Co., Ltd Mr. Christian Moser Managing Director Khun Natchanikan Ketkomwa Partner contact@advocatesmoser.com www.advocatesmoser.com Legal and accounting activities | Management consultancy activities

German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation e.V. (DSIK) Mr. Lutz Grashof Country Representative and Senior Expert Ms. Cristina Cristea Financial Education Expert office@sparkassenstiftung.de http://www.sparkassenstiftung.de/ Activities auxiliary to financial services and insurance activities | Other education

Chow Energy Public Company Limited

Mr. Hartmuth Röser

Mr. Cristobal Chin Chief Executive Officer Khun Bussamas Suthawaree VP - Business Development info@chowenergy.co.th http://www.chowenergy.co.th/en/home Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply

Consulting and Service SEA at PRECROS OÜ hartmuth.roeser@precros.de

Mr. Jord Figee jordfigee@gmail.com

Fastwork Technologies Company Limited Mr. CK Cheong Chief Executive Officer Khun Porntipa Leelasangasup Business Director www.fastwork.co Motion picture, video and television programme production, sound recording and music publishing activities | Computer programming, consultancy and related activities | Other professional, scientific and technical activities

UPDATE 4/2021

Ms. Katharina Staske Managing Director at DLG Thai Co., Ltd. k.staske@dlg.org

MEMBERS’ CORNER 37

Mr. Matthias Malina

Siam Seaplane Co., Ltd.

matthias.malina@t-online.de

Mr. Dennis Keller Chief Business Officer contact@siamseaplane.com www.siamseaplane.com Sea and coastal passenger water transport | Passenger air transport | Travel agency, tour operator and other reservation service and related activities

Motavi Co., Ltd. Dr. Matthew Nekvapil Chief Executive Officer www.cigaremperor.com www.robbreport.in.th Wholesale of tobacco products | Publishing of books, periodicals and other publishing activities

Mr. Pascal Orczech

The Standard, Hua Hin Mr. Marc Sittl General Manager Khun Sukanya Viriyathanaporn Director of Sales and Marketing https://www.standardhotels.com/hua-hin/properties/hua-hin Accommodation | Food and beverage service activities

Director of E-Commerce & Marketing at Fenix Apparel and Accessories Co., Ltd pasci2@gmail.com

Pilz South East Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Mr. James Michael Large Vice President (Asia Pacific) Khun Thanach Jianpokakul Sales and Office Manager www.pilz.com Other manufacturing

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38 ADVERTORIAL

Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC 2021 Asia-Pacific’s leading Trade Event for Industry 4.0 As Asian industries across the region are future-proofing their businesses and building their resilience in the constantly changing and challenging landscape, they look towards solutions from Industry 4.0. Based on this emerging trend, “Stepping up capabilities with Industry 4.0” is the central event theme of the Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC – a HANNOVER MESSE event will be held on 22-24 November.

ITAP will showcase actionable Industry 4.0 solutions to inspire and deepen understanding among attendees and help businesses at varying stages of adoption to star t, scale and sustain their Industry 4.0 transformation journey. In the run-up to the ITAP Voice of the Market, the event series offers audiences an insight into the developments of Industry 4.0 in different Asian economies.

Voice of the market: Thailand Focusing on Thailand, the event on Thursday, 19 August elucidated the developments in the MedTech sector, Automotive and Electronics manufacturing industr y. About 15 notable speaker s sharing their experiences. All

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speakers agreed on Thailand’s high potential to transition towards regional players in the EV and MedTech industries. As Mr. Krisda Utamote outlined, as the “Detroit of Asia”, Thailand may not have “local parts suppliers [who] currently produce key EV components […], but their capability can be developed”. His organisation, EVAT, aims to promote the establishment of EV component suppliers to facilitate moving the industrial focus away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and towards EV vehicle production. This transition will allow Thailand to follow the global and regional trends in favour of EVs. To facilitate this change, EVAT has committed itself to enhancing the charging infrastructure for EVs. EVAT has established the “Charging Consortium” with 11 partners to provide a joint Mr. Krisda Utamote from the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), in charge of promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) to tackle pollution and more energy-efficient transport systems.

ADVERTORIAL 39

battery charging station infrastructure. EVAT has also been working closely with universities and research centres to “initiate a network of operations in developing Thai energy storage technology throughout the value chain. This action will be able to create various kinds of technology conductive to the use of electric vehicles as well”, Mr. Krisda explained.

According to Mr. Sorawit Wanitanukul, “our automotive industry is already internationally recognised. Therefore, we can expand into the EV industry, as our production standards are quite good. […] We must seek the opportunityto enter the supply chain for highvalue EV parts, which are batteries and motor par ts, either modules or sub-components”.

Some challenges that have been named, and which discourage Asian consumers from buying EVs, are safety, mileage per charge, the number of charging stations and vehicle price.

NSTDA’s policy is to comprehensively support EV technology and increase advancement and knowledge among NSTDA personnel and researchers’ networks of designing, developing and testing parts, innovations and completed vehicles. The organisation “supports prototyping electric buses, motorcycles, boat and EV conversion with partners as well as research on EV demand and sustainable management,” he noted.

Mr. Sorawit Wanitanukul from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), who discussed the importance of EVs and the need for standardised testing measures.

The insights of these EV industry experts highlights Thailand’s big steps towards embracing and turning EV technology into everyday reality. The efforts tie-in the private sector, researchers and the Government in their efforts reach their goals.

Close co-operation among these three actors is also an important factor in Thailand’s rapidly emerging MedTech sector. Dr. Rutchanee Gullayanon explained: “The Triple Helix Scheme brings together the government, research institutes and the private sector to create innovations on a university level. The scheme suppor ts the transfer of these technologies to the private sector for future commercialisation”.

Dr. Rutchanee Gullayanon, Executive Vice President for the King Mongkut Institute of

Technology Ladkrabang in the Research and

Innovation Sector (KMITL-KRIS), who discussed

the MedTech industry in Thailand and the opportunities of innovation that emerge from

close collaboration of manufacturers, researchers

and the Government.

She sees strong potential from the partnership between research institutes and manufacturers.

“We are tr ying to push our researchers to transfer their technologies after their prototype creation to mass production. We have to understand the big gap, which many people call the Death Valley”. This gap can be bridged by bringing in the experience and expertise of private sector manufacturers.

“Partnership opportunities are available on the supply, manufacturing and distribution levels,” she added.

Similar to the EV industry, there are still some oppor tunities for the development of this sector. Dr. Rutchanee Gullayanon described the ongoing necessity to impor t cer tain components. Motors, for example, can be cheaply imported from countries where the necessary materials are sourced. In addition, certain manufacturers of components can certify the high quality of their products. This allows researchers to skip cer tain testing actions when using these components. She believes that “component manufacturing can be shifted into Thailand since Thai manufacturers can establish these standards and get all the necessary certificates”. Price competitiveness is also a hindrance for the Thai MedTech industry. “Thai manufacturers, from my experience, have the quality and the skill set, but when we talk about mass production, we lack price competitiveness”, she said.

In summary, with rapid and close collaboration of researchers, manufacturers and funding by the Government, Thailand is moving towards strengthening its EV and MedTech industries.

While challenges remain, efforts to facilitate the development of these industries are strong.

ITAP is back to physical event this November Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC - a HANNOVER MESSE event is back on the 22 - 24 November 2021 as physical exhibition at Singapore EXPO and as digital event on ITAP CONNECTED to continue forging business par tnership, network with peers and exchange knowledge from industr y leaders. Interested personnel may sign up to participate or acquire more information through official ITAP website: www.industrialtransformation.com Written by Sophie Zwick, Trainee, GTCC Membership, Events and Communications Department

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40 TRADE FAIRS

ITB Asia 2021: Asia’s largest travel showcase is going virtual 25-29 October 2021, Singapore Asia’s largest travel trade show, ITB Asia, is an annually held B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry. It is designed to be the primary event for the Asia-Pacific travel industr y, much like its parent event – ITB Berlin. ITB Asia is the premier meeting place for the travel trade industry for forging new par tnerships and strengthening existing business relationships with the most important players in the region.

ITB Asia is organised by Messe Ber lin (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. and supported by the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau.

ITB Asia is co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, covering the key verticals in the travel industry such as leisure, MICE, corporate and travel technology.

MICE Show Asia is the annual three-day business-to-business trade show and convention where the incentive travels, meetings and events industries come together to connect and build the future of MICE. Travel Tech Asia is the three-day conference that features leading travel brands and innovative star t-ups for attendees from all levels of seniority across a wide range of disciplines and sectors in the travel industry.

With three shows in one event, it has become Asia’s largest travel showcase.

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Now in its fourteenth year, ITB Asia will be an all-virtual event, with the physical show postponed to October 2022. The complete digitalisation of ITB Asia is set to go virtual from 25 to 29 October 2021 on ITB Community in Asia. The previous vir tual event concluded with a record-breaking par ticipation of almost 35,000 travel professionals tuning in. The organizers are expecting an even stronger response this year with the longer lead time and as countries around the world plan for tourism recovery.

For the coming ITB Asia Vir tual Event, attendees can expect the following key features: • Community activity feed – an interactive social networking page to share the latest insights and ar ticles, and par ticipation in group discussions • Business matching – live platform to exchange business contacts and schedule virtual appointments. Delegates can benefit from business appointments via social video and messaging functions. (25-29 October, five full days) • Conference – a robust line-up of key industry speakers with thought-providing insights or showcases of innovative technology and solutions (exclusively on 26-28 October only, three full days)

• Supplier Directory – a comprehensive view of all suppliers, such as company profiles, product resources and downloadable articles • Knowledge library – a resource library of trade articles, white papers on travel destinations, research reports and content by industry bellwethers and trade partners • On-demand videos – access to exclusive videos from vir tual events or industr y contributors More information about the ITB Asia Virtual Event can be found at https://www.itb-asia. com/. For further information, please contact the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce’s official representative for Messe Berlin GmbH in Thailand, Ms. Patamaporn Wasuwat, by telephone at +66 2 055 0641 or by e-mail at berlin@gtcc.org.

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AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA Regional Summit: Smart production for sustainable food systems 16-17 November 2021, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand The AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA Regional Summit, to be held as a hybrid online and in-person event on 16 and 17 November, not only offers farmers and farming specialists from Thailand and South-East Asia innovative farming systems and a wide range of solutions for improving crop production, but also access to a worldwide network of international companies and experts. Under the guiding theme “Smart production for sustainable food systems”, the Regional Summit addresses the challenges of sustainable food production facing farmer s in South-East Asia and especially Thailand The AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA Regional Summit event, which is organized

by DLG (German Agricultural Society) and VNU Asia Pacific, will take place at the Imperial Hotel and Convention Centre Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima, at the very heart of rice, cassava and sugar cane production in Thailand. Complementing the in-person event held in Thailand, DLG’s online platform will also connect onsite and online international providers, experts and attendees. The summit is officially co-hosted by the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

Plant production is a vital par t of many sustainable food systems. At the same time, such food systems have to protect natural resources as well as contribute to both improving the livelihood of stakeholders and strengthening communities at all levels. In order to cover these challenges simultaneously

while ensuring sustainable food production by South-East Asian and Thai farmers especially, more innovative methods and smart solutions are required.

Project Manager Ms. Kamolchanok Nantaburom summarizes what par ticipants can expect: “The AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA Regional Summit offers the opportunity both to gain insights of upcoming international trends in food production and to improve local production systems that consider the needs of farmers and markets.

We are ver y happy to present such an international event at the hear t of a key production area and are overwhelmed by the local support.”

The conference, with more than 50 speakers from Thailand and worldwide, will focus on topics such as efficient and sustainable sugar cane, cassava, rice and maize production as well as precision and smar t farming, plant protection, water management and cluster farming. It will also discuss new markets such as vertical farming and bioeconomy.

Project Manager Katharina Staske explained that “we are collaborating with quality conference partners, who are leading specialist organizations such as the International Rice Research Institute and the Thai Society of Sugarcane Technologists. The combination o f e x p e r t s fro m the T hai Minis tr y o f Agriculture and Cooperatives and the private sector sharing the latest innovations as well as

practitioners demonstrating best practices, live from the field, will create a unique place for knowledge exchange and networking,” Dr. Vanida Khumnirdpetch, Director of the Bureau of Foreign Agriculture Affairs of Thailand’s Ministr y of Agriculture and Cooperatives, emphasized the impor tance of the event in November. “The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work, and our expectations for the future.

The United Nations Food System Summit 2021, as part of the ‘Decade of Actions’, is awakening the world to the fact that we must work together to create the future of food and agricultural systems in order to achieve the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Governments alone cannot deliver the goals of our Roadmap for more sustainable, inclusive and resilient systems for food and agriculture. We need the collaboration and par tnerships of all stakeholders. In this context, the AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA Regional Summit is a place where international knowledge and innovations can offer technical solutions to the local farmers and businesses.

She added: “Through the ongoing exchanges between the Ministries of Agriculture of Thailand and Ger many, we’re looking forward to more collaboration at all levels, Government-to-Government, business-tobusiness and most importantly, farmers-tofarmers.”

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42 TRADE FAIRS

productronica 2021 International, Innovative and Unrivalled 16-19 November 2021, Munich

As the world’s leading trade fair for electronics development and production, productronica has many new things to offer its exhibitors and visitors – world premieres and products, solutions and innovations spanning the entire value chain, exclusive career opportunities with exciting networking formats, and a top-class supporting programme with specialist trend topics.

In fact, productronica is the only event of its kind to showcase the entire value chain in electronics production, ranging from technologies and components to software and services.

At productronica, the decision-makers and thought leaders of the industry – from established key player organizations as well as innovative start-ups – have an excellent opportunity to come together. Visitor can establish first-class insider contacts and engage in forward-looking networking with companies from Germany and abroad.

See the big picture in the smallest detail: • PCB and EMS at productronica: The most important meeting point for the European circuit board and the EMS sector

• Surface Mount Technology lies at the core of electronics manufacturing. Meet all the key players in the SMT market at productronica • Not ever ything works wirelessly. The relevance of cables, coils, hybrid components and coil-ware – pathbreaking manufacturing solutions • The semiconductor exhibition space at productronica provides the latest news on semiconductor manufacturing • F u t u r e a n d t r e n d s i n e l e c t r o n i c s manufacturing – additive manufacturing, organic and printed electronics, cyber physical systems and more • Products that simplify production with overall production support – production accompanying auxiliar y and operating materials More details on productronica are available at https://www.productronica.com/en/. For fur ther information, please contact the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce’s official representative for Messe München GmbH in Thailand, Ms. Patamaporn Wasuwat, by telephone at +66 2 055 0641 or by e-mail at muenchen@gtcc.org.

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TRADE FAIRS 43

DOMOTEX 2022 New formats at DOMOTEX 2022: Innovative, inspirational and informative 13-16 January 2022, Hannover DOMOTEX 2022 will take place as a hybrid event in Hannover from 13 to 16 Januar y.

The new hybrid concept offers numerous digital services and participation opportunities for exhibitor s and visitor s, and enables everyone who cannot attend live for various reasons to participate digitally.

DOMOTEX 2022 will offer new formats as well as new places to be, in all product areas.

These include the new Mood Spaces – six booths designed by interior designers that represent current trends and express the interaction between floors and walls on the one hand, and interior design on the other.

The Spaces are a source of inspiration for the furniture trade and contractors and, in the spirit of the concept store formats, show which products in combination can form a themed world. The Mood Spaces for the residential sector will be located in Hall 7 and in Hall 13 for the contract sector.

Also new on board are the Mater ial Selections, which provide an overview of the most important application and trend topics for architects, interior designers and contractors as well as for trade and industry par tners. The Material Selections for wall and floor coverings offer orientation and

inspiration and, thanks to corresponding manufacturer’s references, make it easier to find products at DOMOTEX. These material collections are available for the topics of healthy living, recycling, hygiene and health, outdoor, acoustics and colour.

The product range of DOMOTEX will be complemented by interior finishing products such as wall and acoustic panels, and wallpaper. As a new hub for manufacturers with corresponding products, the Wallroom in Hall 13 offers a new and central place to be. DOMOTEX is thus creating a new low-threshold offering for manufacturers of wall products.

original techniques. During DOMOTEX the international team will be demonstrating this traditional craft in various live demonstrations.

The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, as the official representative for Deutsche Messe AG in Thailand, can provide more information for those interested in par ticipating in DOMOTEX 2022. Please contact our trade fair team by telephone at +66 2 055 0643 or by e-mail at hannover@gtcc.org.

Practical knowledge, new technologies, tools and materials are what counts in the Application and Installation Technology (FloorTec) area. The new Craft Attack Guide provides a well-structured overview of offers and live demonstrations for the craft industry.

One of the highlights in this part of the show is the Workcamp Parquet – an association of internationally experienced parquet masters who are committed to the topic of promoting young talent. The Wor kcamp Parquet is dedicated to the reconstruction of old parquet flooring and emphasizes the use of

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44 TRADE FAIRS

BIOFACH and VIVANESS BIOFACH Congress Theme 2022: Organic.Climate.Resilience.

15-18 February 2022

Organic principles make agricultural and food production systems resilient and climate-friendly.

Organic farmers and eco-food producers help to strengthen the foundations of life and, at the same time, work innovatively with nature. They are making ecological principles the driving force behind resilient food production systems. This is exactly what the most comprehensive international organic congress will be focusing on, when the organic food and natural and organic cosmetics community gathers for the next round of the combined BIOFACH and VIVANESS trade fairs from 15 to 18 February 2022. During the event’s four days on site and online, the organic sector will discuss a highly topical issue with socio-political impact.

Every year, the key theme of the congress is determined by the international patron of the world’s leading fair for organic food, IFOAM – Organics International, and national supporting institution BÖLW (German Federation of Organic Food Producers), in par tnership with BIOFACH. Ms. Louise Luttikholt, Executive Director, IFOAM – Organics International, had this to say about the main congress theme of Organic.Climate.Resilience: “The last few years have shown that we need sustainable food systems that mitigate and withstand the effects of the climate crisis, and which can adapt to them in the best possible way. We need food systems that are stable and resilient against exceptional climatic events in order to ensure that everyone has access to an adequate and sustainable supply of healthy food. Our own fragility and that of our planet and food systems has become even more clear to us during the current global pandemic.

COVID-19 has also opened our eyes to the greatest global crisis that we are facing – the climate crisis.”

The organic system also has a positive influence on climate protection. According to the Thünen Report 65, empirical measurements show that soils under organic management in our moderate climate zones produce fewer greenhouse gases. Organic soils have, on average, a 10 per cent higher content of organic soil carbon. By means of photosynthesis, they take CO2

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out of theatmosphere and store it permanently in the humus.

In Europe, the “Farm to Fork” strategy has recently promoted the idea that farming needs to play an important role in boosting the resilience of diverse and often unique agricultural systems. As well as the introduction o f o r ganic c ultivatio n me thods, t he development of resilient food production systems requires a gradual renouncement of chemical fertilisers that are responsible for most of the harmful nitrous oxide emissions released into the atmosphere, together with a reduction of food waste, which accounts for up to 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, and a shift to more climate-friendly nutrition.

The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, as representative for NürnbergMesse GmbH in Thailand, can provide detailed information for those interested in par ticipating in the event. Please contact our trade fair team by telephone at +66 2 055 0643 or by e-mail at nuernberg@gtcc.org.