Thread: Nation Group joins carbon neutral group

• Chulalongkorn University launches app for tracking daily carbon footprint

People in Thailand can now track their efforts to prevent climate destruction via a new app that records their daily carbon emissions.

The Carbon Footprint in Daily Life application, or CFiD app, was developed by Chulalongkorn University’s Engineering Faculty in collaboration with the university’s Carbon Institute for Sustainability (CBiS).

The app aims to help users reduce the amount of climate-warming greenhouse gas they emit through their daily activities.

The app’s development team was led by Professor Dr Supot Teachavorasinskun, dean of Chula’s Engineering Faculty, using data from research on daily activities at a market close to the university.

“This innovation [the CFiD app] is a testament to the success of the Carbon Institute for Sustainability,” Supot said.

“We disseminate knowledge, instigate positive changes in daily life for participants, and make them aware of everyone's responsibility towards society and the world in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and carbon footprints.”

He added that the app will also help the institute measure impacts of various daily activities that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, both known and previously unknown.

Chulalongkorn University has declared a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 and net zero greenhouse gas by 2050.

Thailand has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero emissions by 2065.

The Carbon Footprint in Daily Life app is available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

• UNESCO initiative envisions green schools, skills and communities

A green education that makes children more economically conscious of the environment is an investment in the future of humanity, according to a senior UN agency official in Bangkok.

Kirimoke Drollett, chief of administration and finance unit, of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, spoke to The Nation at the launch of its Green Education Initiative, partnering Huawei and Thailand’s Ministry of Education.

Recent reports indicate that only 12% of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track to be achieved by 2030. Notably, SDG13, focusing on climate action, is regressing not only in Thailand but across Asia and the Pacific, Drollett said.

Thailand ranked 50th out of 163 countries in 2021 for children most at risk from climate change impacts.

Recognising the critical need for local action, the education initiative aims to tackle the pressing issue of climate change by fostering environmental education in the region.

Drollett said the initiative targets three crucial areas:

Green schools: Implementing practices promoting water security, clean energy, biomass production, and waste management within educational institutions.

Green skills: Developing and enhancing skills among students, educators, and communities to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Green communities: Engaging local communities to create awareness and promote the adoption of green practices beyond the school environment.

The digital bus is set to play a pivotal role in educating students on the green initiatives while also serving as a classroom on wheels where students can engage in digital lessons.

The project has started in Nakhon Nayok province. Drollett revealed plans for a nationwide expansion after discussions with the Ministry of Education.

Despite potential challenges, collaboration with the ministry has been overwhelmingly positive, with everyone contributing wholeheartedly to the cause, Drollett said.

• Hotel adopts sustainable practices with enriched plant-based menus

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park in conjunction with Humane Society International pledges to shift 20% of menu options across six dining venues to plant-based proteins in the next two years.

Made in response to travellers’ growing appetite for people, animal and planet-friendly food, this initiative will spare nearly 9,000 animal lives per year and reduce close to the equivalent of 150,000 kgs of CO2 emissions.

Humane Society International launched this initiative with a six-day training for the hotel’s culinary team, combining theory with practical plant-based cooking to equip chefs with the culinary techniques and knowledge to whip up new, mouthwatering recipes such as satay tempeh skewers, cinnamon French toast, lion’s mane mushroom “chicken,” and banana cream pie with gingerbread crust.

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park will begin implementing their menu changes with an initial focus on novel plant-based breakfast offerings.

Stephen Doe, the hotel’s executive chef, said: “At Marriott, we realize Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world. Sustainable travel has been a keyword for travellers in recent years. People are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment and cut greenhouse gas emissions, whether through choosing more sustainable transportation methods or accommodations or by choosing more environmentally friendly foods. International travellers have become more conscious of their actions and know they can make a difference.

With the help from Humane Society International’s plant-based program, we are confident to serve plant-based dishes that cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and provide our customers with healthy options, plus the taste is unmatched.”

Janjaree Chianwichai, HSI food policy manager for Southeast Asia, said: “Through our plant-based programs, we support chefs around the world in learning how to create dishes that are better for animals, people, and the environment. When you understand the techniques, cooking food from plants offers endless possibilities to create innovative, flavorful recipes. Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is setting a meaningful example for the hospitality industry in Asia Pacific by working to reduce its use of animal proteins by 20% over the next two years.”

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• Chinese-Thai battery plant opens in Rayong, boosting Thailand’s EV mission

NV Gotion, a joint venture between Chinese battery maker Gotion and Thai state-owned PTT, opened its first factory in Thailand on Thursday.

The new plant, located at Siam Eastern Industrial Park II in Rayong, is a significant step in the country’s ambition to become a global hub for electric vehicle production, said the president of Thailand’s oil and gas giant.

NV Gotion said its high-quality lithium-ion batteries will be rolling off the production line by year-end, with production capacity starting at 2 gigawatt-hours per year before expanding to 8GWh in the second phase.

Auttapol Rerkpiboon, president and CEO of PTT, said the company is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 to address climate change.

He said PTT was introducing new technologies and innovations, including high-quality batteries, to accelerate the creation of an EV and clean energy ecosystem in Thailand.

"The giga-level battery factory will help Thailand transition from importer to manufacturer and exporter of lithium-ion batteries," he said.

Auttapol said NV Gotion would be another engine for Thailand's ambition to become an EV manufacturing leader in the ASEAN region.

He added that the factory would help meet the government’s policy to increase domestic EV production to 30% of total vehicles made by 2030 while boosting production of renewable energy to 50% in line with the National Energy Plan.

• UOB and Changan join hands for EV expansion in ASEAN

United Overseas Bank (UOB) and Chinese automaker Changan Automobile announced on Friday their strategic partnership for Changan's electric vehicles (EVs) expansion plans in ASEAN.

Under the partnership, UOB will provide Changan with a range of financial services, including:

▪︎ Global credit services: Provide Changan with access to funding for its expansion plans, including the development of new EV models, the construction of new manufacturing facilities, and the expansion of its dealer network.

▪︎ Foreign exchange services: To help manage foreign exchange risks.

▪︎ Risk management services: To help the automaker mitigate its risks, such as credit risk and market risk.

Green financing: To help Changan finance its EV projects, which are aligned with UOB's commitment to sustainability.

Changan, a leading Chinese automaker, has been manufacturing EVs since 2016. The company has a strong presence in China and is expanding its operations to other regions, including ASEAN.

Tan Choon Hin, UOB Thailand's president and CEO, said Changan, which has received positive feedback from its recent official entry into the electric vehicle market in Thailand, is committed to using Thailand as the region's EV production base.

UOB, as a leading regional bank, has strong foundations in both Thailand and ASEAN. Strong financial products and services network are ready to support Changan's business overseas business expansion plans, Tan said.

Chen Jianfeng, vice president and general manager of finance at Changan Automobile Co Ltd, said UOB was playing an important role in supporting the company's entry into the EV market in Southeast Asia.

The partnership between UOB and Changan is a significant development for the growth of the EV market in ASEAN, he said, adding, UOB's financial services would help Changan accelerate its expansion plans and make EVs more accessible to consumers in the region.

The partnership between UOB and Changan is a win-win for both parties, he said. UOB would gain access to a growing market for EVs in ASEAN, while Changan would gain access to the financial resources it needed to expand its operations in the region, he explained.

The partnership is also a positive development for the growth of the EV market in ASEAN. UOB's financial services would help make EVs more affordable and accessible to consumers in the region, which would help drive demand for EVs, he said.

• Cut emissions, safeguard environment through 'Returning Soil to the Land' policy

Net Zero Carbon (NZC), a prominent player in the carbon credits sector, has been in full offensive since it entered into the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) markets in Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos more than two years ago.

With a mission to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions, NZC formed a joint venture named “Spiro Carbon ASEAN” in collaboration with Spiro Carbon, a leading entity in artificial intelligence for carbon credits in agriculture.

This significant initiative aligns with the outcomes of the COP28 meeting in Dubai, where leaders from 116 countries declared their commitment to environmental goals. “Spiro Carbon ASEAN” will focus on the markets in two main target countries – Thailand and Vietnam. This venture is also backed by BSB Nanotechnology Vietnam.

BSB Nanotechnology, renowned for inventing nano silica from rice husks, has appointed NZC as its sole distributor in Thailand. The collaboration aims to assist Thai farmers in reducing chemical consumption and promoting environmentally friendly practices under the “Returning Soil to the Land” policy. NZC is prepared to launch the project early next year.

Thananon Triamchanchai, Chief Executive Officer of Net Zero Carbon Thailand, highlighted the company’s expertise in Thai carbon credits and RECs. He said the joint venture with Spiro Carbon aims to advance Low Carbon Rice Production in Southeast Asia’s carbon credit landscape.

Additionally, he said, Net Zero Carbon has entered into a cooperation with BSB Nanotechnology to implement innovative solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane from rice cultivation.

The cooperation agreement was signed by Tran Minh Tien, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Net Zero Carbon Vietnam, Benjamin Worley, Chief Executive Officer of Spiro Carbon and Nguyen Viet Hung, Founder and Chairman of BSB Nanotechnology.

This collaboration leverages US-based Spiro Carbon’s AI technology, which analyses data from various sources, including satellite images, to monitor and assess greenhouse gas reduction in rice farming. Through this project, participating farmers can generate additional income by selling carbon offsets to environmentally conscious individuals.

Meanwhile, BSB Nanotechnology’s extraction of nano silica from rice husks offers organic solutions for crop management, enhancing productivity, reducing costs and aligning with sustainable farming practices.

“This joint operation will benefit farmers in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and other ASEAN countries engaged in wet and dry farming. It addresses the issue of methane gas emissions from the agricultural sector, contributing to the mitigation of global warming. The consumption of nano silica products will boost organic farming productivity, fostering sustainability for farmers. Our allied companies are geared up to implement this project by early 2024,” stated Mr Thananon.

Thailand and Vietnam are the world’s top rice exporters with more than 10 million farming households. According to a study conducted by the Office of Agricultural Economics in 2016, more than 60% of methane or greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand came from rice cultivation processes.

Hence, the collaboration between NZC, Spiro Carbon and BSB Nanotechnology aims to tackle greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sectors of Thailand and Vietnam and make a substantial contribution to global environmental goals.

• Thailand’s road to carbon neutrality: 200km of new expressways, 30% emissions cut by 2030

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) has unveiled a 10-year plan to build 200 kilometres of new expressway and cut 30% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Exat governor Surachet Laophulsuk announced the goal at the Sustainability Forum 2024, hosted by Krungthep Turakij at BITEC Bangna in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Surachet said Exat was committed to combating climate change and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Exat has built over 224 kilometres of expressway routes since its establishment 51 years ago, he said. This translated into a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions via traffic of 400,000 tonnes per year, he added.

The state enterprise will continue to expand the expressway network to urban and rural areas to reduce traffic congestion in big cities while offering more transport options for the public, he said.

“We aim to build at least 200 kilometres of expressway in the next decade, equalling what we have done in the past 51 years to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Surachet, speaking under the topic “Sustainable Urbanisation: Better Cities and Communities”.

In 2024, Exat plans to extend the Chalong Rat Expressway’s Jatuchote-Lamlukka section by 16.2km to connect with Hathai Rat Road and relieve traffic congestion in Bangkok’s eastern suburbs. In early 2025, it plans to open the 18.7km western extension of Rama III expressway and the 11.3km eastern extension section of the Stage 3 Expressway.

Exat says it is also implementing changes within its organisation to cut greenhouse gas, including switching to LED lamps and electric vehicles and installing solar panels on office buildings and toll booths.

• Top Thai firms unveil their climate-saving innovations at Sustainability Forum

Five leading Thai corporations have offered a glimpse of a greener future, showcasing their groundbreaking initiatives at the “Sustainability Forum 2024” in Bangkok on Thursday.

The two-day forum is being hosted by Nation Group’s Krungthep Turakij newspaper at BITEC Bangna.

Leading public and private organisations unveiled innovations designed to drive Thailand towards its sustainability goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

1. PTT Global Chemical: Sustainability through partnership

Leading the charge was PTT Global Chemical Plc (GC), Southeast Asia’s largest petrochemical player.

Kongkrapan Intarajang, CEO and managing director, emphasised GC's dedication to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles. Their roadmap includes:

– Clean energy transition: Developing products that facilitate the shift to renewable energy sources.
– Net zero by 2050: Implementing a two-pronged approach: reducing carbon emissions by 50% (20% from product portfolio, 80% from carbon capture storage) through a five-year and 10-year investment plan.
– Partnership power: Fostering strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders to amplify the impact across all aspects of their operations.

“The key to sustainability is building and strengthening partnerships with all parties, including business partners, community, society, educational institutions, and the government,” said Kongkrapan. “GC is a large organisation, and this must be reflected in our partnership network to ensure a positive impact across all aspects of our operations.”

2. BIG: Fuelling the future with hydrogen

Formerly known as Bangkok Industrial Gas, BIG is tapping the potential of hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel. Leveraging its expertise and strategic partnerships with the PTT Group and Toyota, BIG has:

– Established Southeast Asia's first hydrogen refuelling station for commercial vehicles in Chonburi.
– Implemented carbon capture storage technology, contributing to a 25% reduction in emissions.
– Advocated for hydrogen adoption in motor vehicles, aircraft, and energy-intensive industries.

BIG’s managing director Piyabut Charuphen said the company is leveraging the expertise of its parent company, Air Products, the world’s largest hydrogen producer.

3. WHA Corporation: New business models to meet sustainability demand

Real estate and industrial estate leader WHA Corp said it has embraced sustainability as a catalyst for growth and customer attraction. Their "WHA: We shape the future" campaign focuses on four key areas:

– Green logistics initiative: Optimising logistics operations for reduced environmental impact.
– WHAbit: A mobile app promoting holistic health monitoring within industrial estates.
– WHA emission trading: A carbon credit trading platform for tenants in WHA's estates.
– Sustainable industrial solutions: Developing eco-friendly solutions to attract international investment and position Thailand as a premier green destination.

“We are committed to developing business and industrial solutions at our industrial estates, pushing Thailand to become a top global investment destination,” said Group CEO Jareeporn Jarukornsakul.

4. Siemens: Digital twins to accelerate sustainability innovations

Engineering giant Siemens declared that innovation in digital technology is the key factor in overcoming sustainability challenges.

Digital transformation helps businesses achieve their sustainability goals while increasing competitiveness, said Suwannee Singluedej, president and CEO. She highlighted Siemens’ commitment to:

– Digital transformation: Integrating digital solutions across their operations to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
– Product innovation: Ensuring over 90% of their products and services meet customer demands for sustainability.
– Digital twin technology: Utilising simulations for product development and optimising resource usage.
– Metaverse and GenAI: Partnering with Microsoft to explore cutting-edge sustainability solutions.

Suwannee emphasised the urgent demand for climate solutions.

“Our world needs innovation to help us overcome challenges posed by the impact of climate change,” she said. “Latest statistics show that global demand for resources is now 1.7 times higher than our current production capacity. Sustainability efforts can no longer be delayed.”

5. Sansiri: Building a Net Zero Future, One Brick at a Time

Leading property developer Sansiri said sustainability was now at the core of its business, both for residential and condominium projects. Uthai Uthaisangsuk, chief operating officer and executive director, outlined the company’s three-pronged strategy:

– Green procurement: Sourcing sustainable and eco-friendly materials for construction.
– Green architecture and design: Implementing innovative technologies like Cool Living and Zero Waste designs to reduce energy consumption and waste generation.
– Green construction: Optimising construction processes to minimise environmental impact, including carbon emissions, waste management, and resource usage.

Uthai added that Sansiri has partnered with ion Energy to install solar panels for over 1,800 units of its residential projects in 2023 – more than any other Thai developer has managed.

With plans to expand solar to 3,300 units in 2024, Sansiri is blazing the alternative-energy trail for the industry.

• Over half a million electric vehicles on Thai streets

In a promising trend that Thailand is moving towards a clean energy society, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) registered to run on Thai streets reached 512,343 units as of November 30, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) said on Friday.

This number can be divided by categories as follow:

Battery EV: 120,719 units; Hybrid EV (benzene): 326,178; Hybrid EV (diesel): 11,596; Hybrid EV (LPG/benzene): 400; Plug-in hybrid EV (benzene): 53,172; Plug-in hybrid EV (diesel): 278.

The department also reported the five most popular brands of passenger vehicles under 7 seats, currently registered for use in Thailand: Toyota: 3,951,393 units; Honda: 2,369,676; Isuzu: 1,228,241; Mitsubishi: 867,088; Nissan: 798,093.

Although Japanese brands are still dominating the Thai market, Chinese automakers are fast catching up, offering a variety of affordable EVs.

This can be seen from the 40th Thailand International Motor Expo, which ended last week in Nonthaburi province, that reported total bookings for 53,248 cars and 7,373 motorcycles. Of the cars, 61.6% were for internal combustion engines, while 38.4% chose electric vehicles.

The top three brands that reported the most bookings at Motor Expo 2023 were Toyota at 7,245 units, followed by Honda at 6,149. Chinese EV-maker BYD was in third place with 5,455 units reserved.

• CP Group and Mitsubishi Corporation join hands to reduce carbon emissions

CP Group's chairman Soopakij Chearavanont and Japanese electrification pioneer Mitsubishi Corporation have signed an MOU on a project aimed at reducing carbon emissions in Thailand's manufacturing industry, advancing energy transition goals.

On December 16, 2023, Soopakij Chearavanont, Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Tokyo, Japan, alongside Mr. Aiichiro Matsunaga, Executive Vice President and Group CEO, Mitsubishi Corporation's Power Solution Group. The agreement focuses on joint feasibility studies regarding the reduction of carbon emissions in the manufacturing industry in Thailand, with Mr. Saito Ken (H.E. Mr. Saito Ken), Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan, presiding over the signing ceremony.

The two groups plan to conduct joint feasibility studies (FS) on the development of carbon-free energy sources throughout Thailand and provide carbon-free energy to the Thai manufacturing industry.

The collaboration between Mitsubishi Corporation and CP Group will support Thailand's energy transition, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and enhancing the competitiveness of the Thai manufacturing industry. Most importantly, it will contribute to Thailand's carbon neutrality goals by 2050 and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.

• 2023 Year-end Review: Are EVs Thailand’s auto future?

The automotive industry is crucial to driving the Thai economy, as it contributes to exports and employment and, at over 2,300 entities, boasts a large number of manufacturers in the auto supply chain.

But what is the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand’s future as carbon reduction target dates draw nearer?

In 2022, Thailand produced approximately 1.9 million vehicles, making it the largest automotive production base in ASEAN and ranked 10th globally.

In the first 10 months of this year, Thailand produced 538,308 passenger cars, including 415,930 internal combustion vehicles and 122,378 EVs. Its automotive exports were 927,625, including 918,157 internal combustion vehicles and 9,468 hybrid EVs.

As many as 2,222 charging stations with 8,702 chargers have been set up across Thailand so far. These are being operated by government and private agencies, such as the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Energy Absolute.

To further boost the automotive industry and maintain its position in the region, Thailand has initiated the “30@30” policy to drive toward 30% of all vehicles made in Thailand being electric by 2030.

The development of the Thai EV industry is currently under Phase 2 (2023-2025), which aims to produce 225,000 cars and pick-up trucks, 360,000 motorcycles, and 18,000 buses/trucks by 2025, including the production of batteries.

EV 3.5 measures

The National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee (EV board) has approved the EV 3.5 promotion measure to enhance the automotive industry.

The measure will come into effect from next year until 2027 to continue beyond the existing 3.0 measure that expires at the end of 2023.

Under the EV 3.5 measures, the government will provide subsidies of approximately 100,000 baht per vehicle for imported EVs and require car manufacturers to establish EV manufacturing plants in Thailand at a ratio of 2-3 times the number of imports.

Meanwhile, the Board of Investment (BOI) has introduced new measures to support automobile manufacturers utilising production technology, as well as attracting more investors.

Investment promotion measures have been approved to enhance the industry by supporting manufacturers in adopting automation and robotics systems to improve efficiency in production of both internal combustion engine vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

These measures cover existing and new investments to enhance production efficiency and support the transition to a modern technology-driven industry.

Under these measures, companies investing in automation and robotics systems will be exempted from corporate income tax for three years, up to 50% of the investment amount.

Additionally, projects using automated machinery systems domestically, with a minimum of 30% local content, will receive a 100% corporate income tax exemption for the investment in these systems. Applications for the incentives must be submitted within 2024.

“The new measures introduced this time will further boost the entire automotive industry by upgrading and integrating new technologies,” said BOI secretary-general, Narit Therdsteerasukdi.

China likely to dominate Thai EV market

Another significant change in the Thai EV ecosystem is a fierce battle among Chinese and Japanese automakers.

Even though Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda came in first and second places for the most booked brands in the 40th Motor Expo between November 30 and December 11, they were followed by Chinese automakers.

Toyota managed to retain its crown, with 7,245 units being reserved. Honda came in second place with 6,149 units, while China’s BYD was third with 5,455 units.

Chinese companies Aion, MG and Changan came in fourth to sixth places, with 4,568, 3,568 and 3,549 units booked, respectively.

Leading Chinese EV and battery manufacturers that have invested in Thailand as a manufacturing base include BYD, Changan Automobile, GSC Aion New Energy Automobile and Svolt Energy Technology.

Meanwhile, the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre (CATARC), has launched an automotive research centre in Thailand.

“CATARC will focus on EV policy development, standard-setting and certification,” said Thailand’s Industry Ministry permanent secretary, Nattapol Rangsitpol.

The collaboration will also connect China’s sophisticated EV industry – the biggest in the world – with Thailand’s domestic industry and infrastructure to support its mission of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.

Based on these trends, it is possible that Chinese car companies could become the world’s top producers in the future. However, they still need to overcome some challenges, the foremost of them being quality, as Chinese cars are often perceived for being of lower quality than Japanese cars.
Another challenge is that brand recognition of Chinese car companies remains quite low, which could make it difficult for them to compete in overseas markets.

Challenges towards transition

Amid the flourishing EV ecosystem, several experts have expressed concerns and outlined challenges to the “green transition” in Thailand.

Shifting from internal combustion vehicles to EVs is crucial as 90% of transport-related carbon dioxide emissions in Asia-Pacific come from road-based transport.

Without decarbonising road-based transport, climate action would not be sustainable, said the UNESCAP section chief of transport, Dr Katrin Luger.

Electronics exporter and manufacturer Delta has pointed out the disparity between the Thai government’s active promotion of EV production and its insufficient support for charging stations.

The private sector currently bears the responsibility of investing in charging stations independently, hindering the growth potential of the EV industry in the country.

The number of charging stations and car parks significantly lags behind the production of electric vehicles, which is growing at a rate of three to four times annually, said director of energy infrastructure solutions, Kittisak Ngoenngokngam.

EV infrastructure should be ready in time to contribute to the green transition in Thailand, according to Kelvin Lim, group CEO of Durapower Holdings, Singapore’s energy solution provider.

However, Lim cautions that the transition will not happen unless both industry and potential users are ready for it.

“Infrastructure has to be ready before we see more electrification,” he said, adding that all people in Thailand should be able to use public EVs — including buses, trains and ferries — in order to meet decarbonisation goals.

What needs to be done?

Thailand is developing a “smart” grid to ensure effective electricity management, which is integrated with energy storage, demand-response and energy management systems.

According to the Energy Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), people who have planned to purchase EVs must upgrade electricity in their residences to support EV charger installation.

Thailand would have to build additional power plants to ensure there is sufficient electricity supply for an increasing number of EVs.

“The problem will occur with electric power,” said EGAT head of EV business solutions, Pichit Phongprasert.

“Strengthening the EV ecosystem to cover the needs of EVs, including charging stations, maintenance, insurance and regulation, would be the path to achieve net-zero carbon emission.”

• Push needed to get to carbon neutrality goals

Phasing out fossil fuels, along with human capital development, are among the issues being raised along Thailand’s journey towards carbon neutrality this year.

It is now clear why early experts expressed concern over climate change, as many countries have come to witness its impact, such as flood, drought, rainfall decline, abnormalities in seasonal change and increasing food scarcity.

Uncertainty over humanity’s future and that of the planet can be traced to the shift from manual production to machines as the Industrial Revolution was ignited in the 18th century. Most of machines of that day were driven by coal, which grew to be the largest anthropogenic (ie human created) source of carbon dioxide contributing to climate change.

The PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter) air pollution now plaguing Thailand is due to emissions from the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, wood, and, yes, coal, accounting for an estimated 7 million premature deaths every year.

Phase-out of fossil fuels

A historic agreement to transition away from fossil fuels was reached during the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates on December 12.

Agreements to triple renewable energy and increase climate financing for the most vulnerable nations have also been made to limit long-term global average near-surface temperature to 1.5C above the pre-industrial era.

The conference calls for more decisive climate action to limit climate change and minimize the extreme weather that is increasingly causing massive environmental, economic and societal upheaval.

World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) reports indicate that 2023 is virtually certain to be the warmest year on record, already about 1.4C above the pre-industrial era. The global temperature is expected to increase further in 2024.

“Science tells us that limiting global heating to 1.5C will be impossible without the phase-out of fossil fuel,” warned United Nations secretary-general António Guterres. “The era of fossil fuels must end – and it must end with justice and equity.”

More challenges

Thailand is making progress towards a low-carbon society. However, the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research has outlined several barriers to the transition:

• Locked-in fossil fuel infrastructure: The planned and grey- energy projects in the pipeline, unabated coal power plants and other legacy structures are costly to change due to sunk investment costs — and can lead to future stranded assets. These present a challenge to the development of alternative clean energy infrastructure.
• Regulatory risk: Policy discontinuity or stop-and-go policy, fossil fuel subsidies, and related hiccups.
• Laws and regulations: Under this existing regulatory structure, peer-to-peer clean energy trading is still not supported. A third-party access regime must be established to allow prosumers, or third parties, to access the grid.
• Insufficient infrastructure: Inadequate charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs), for example.
• Lack of access to finance: Both domestic access to bank loans and international access to climate finance are lagging behind because of the length of time needed to develop proposals.
• Technology costs: Costs of some technologies are still very high, especially carbon capture and storage and energy storage systems.

“The government should fill the gaps that corporations cannot meet in terms of infrastructure development and improve carbon credit accreditation to meet international standards,” said Kannika Thampanishvong, a section head at the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research.

On the entrepreneurial side, more than 500 people from several industries in Thailand have advised Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to drive Thailand towards a low-carbon society based on the country’s context, strong points and weak points.

Thai industries have outlined suggestions in four areas:

• Collaboration on a Saraburi Sandbox: Sustainable development in Saraburi is challenging because tourism, agriculture and industrial operations must be developed together to make it liveable and generate revenue.
• Accelerating the circular economy as a national agenda: The government must work on carbon dioxide reduction, set up key performance indicators and create an ecosystem to support the circular economy.
• Unlock limitations to shift clean and sustainable energy: The government should open grid modernisation to enable people to access low-carbon energy, develop energy storage to boost management efficiency, and promote the use of renewable energy.
• A ‘just’ transition: Create awareness among all groups of people and enable them to access funds without leaving anyone behind.
“We hope these suggestions will help boost the economy along with reducing carbon emissions in line with PM’s vision,” said Thammasak Sethaudom, the executive vice-president of SCG, a manufacturer serving the gas industry among others.

Thailand's effort against climate change

Despite emitting only 0.8% of the global greenhouse gas emission annually, Thailand is among countries severely affected by climate change.

Agriculture is suffering the effects of climate change more than any other sector, with an expected financial damage of up to 2.850 trillion baht to the Thai agriculture sector between 2011 and 2045.

To contribute to the movement against the biggest global challenge, Thailand has pledged to achieve its carbon neutrality goal by 2050, and net-zero carbon emission by 2065.

At COP28, Thailand called for increased international action to achieve the US$100 billion climate finance goal by 2025, claiming that the funding is crucial for aiding developing countries in reaching their climate goals.

The country also underscored its updated National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which addresses climate change impacts in critical areas, such as water management, agriculture, and public health.

Thailand aims to peak its emissions by 2025 and increase renewable energy use in electricity to 68% by 2040 and 74% by 2050. A climate-smart rice farming project, funded by the Green Climate Fund, is now underway to promote low-emission farming.

“The Thai government is pushing for changes in the agricultural sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening food stability,” said Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan.

Phatcharavat told the meeting that Thailand is also drafting its first Climate Change Act to regulate emissions and enhance climate resilience.

Good progress, but more needed

Thailand needs to accelerate to mitigate climate change impacts on people, said Environment Ministry permanent secretary Jatuporn Buruspat.

“Thailand has already reduced 32% of greenhouse gas emission, better than other ASEAN countries," he said.

However, Thailand can perform better with financial support from other countries and public participation as the journey towards net-zero carbon emission will become more difficult.

In 2050, Thailand needs to reduce 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve its net-zero carbon emissions goal.

The Environment Ministry permanent secretary also emphasised that encouraging the public sector to deal with climate change is vital to accelerate the net-zero achievement.

• PTT gives go-ahead to new player in EV battery assembly industry

National oil and gas conglomerate PTT has given the greenlight to its 100% owned subsidiary Arun Plus Ltd to establish a new company called A C Energy Solution that will operate cell-to-pack (CTP) battery assembly to support the expansion of the electric vehicle market in Thailand.

In a notification to the Stock Exchange of Thailand on Wednesday, PTT president and CEO Auttapol Rerkpiboon reported that on November 13, the board of directors of Arun Plus approved the move to establish A C Energy Solution with a registered capital not exceeding 1.851 billion baht in which Arun Plus would hold 100% of the shares.

He said the establishment of A C Energy Solution, which was completed on January 3, aligned with PTT Group's investment strategy in future energy. The company is expected to start operations this year.

Auttapol added that Arun Plus planned to enter into a joint venture with a partner who has experience and expertise in the electric vehicle battery industry to enhance A C Energy Solution’s competitive advantage and capabilities in the future.

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• Thailand accelerates lithium exploration to become EV production hub

Thailand is speeding up exploration of lithium in a bid to become an electric vehicle (EV) production hub, the Industry Ministry said on Wednesday.

Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul said the Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM) had been tasked with speeding up the exploration of potential lithium resources in Thailand.

Lithium is an important alkali metal for production of lithium-ion batteries to power EVs.

"This move aims to build stability and prepare Thailand for becoming an EV production base," Pimphattra said, "It is also in line with the Industry Ministry's policy to develop a comprehensive EV supply chain."

Meanwhile, DPIM deputy director-general Aditad Vasinonta said two resources — Reung Kiet and Bang E Tum — in Phang Nga province's Takua Thung district had the potential for lithium mining.

"If the licence to set up the Reung Kiet Mine is approved, it could produce batteries for at least 1 million EVs," he said.

He also confirmed that modern lithium exploration technology could control and reduce the impact on the environment and local residents' health.

In addition, the DPIM has developed technology that can reuse and recycle batteries to feed vehicles, residences, offices or factories in line with circular economy.

"If Thailand has sufficient lithium resource, it would attract investors to set up their battery plants, as well as positive sentiment about the country's EV industry and supply chain," Aditad said.

He vowed to accelerate licence requests to explore more lithium resources across Thailand, as well as licence approvals to set up mines to support the Thai EV industry.

Thanks to the government's EV 3.5 measures, it helps boost confidence among automakers to set up their production base in Thailand, he said.

Under the measures, the government will provide subsidies of approximately 100,000 baht per vehicle for imported EVs and require car manufacturers to establish EV manufacturing plants in Thailand at a ratio of 2-3 times the number of imports.

• Thai EV businesses to secure THB227 bn investments

Thailand will soon see investments exceeding 227 billion baht in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, pushing the country closer to its goal of becoming ASEAN’s EV hub and ranking in the top 10 globally.

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) recently reported that so far it had approved investment promotional privileges for EV-related businesses with a combined investment value of 77.26 billion baht.

The investments are for manufacturing electric cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, batteries, as well as charging stations, BOI secretary-general Narit Terdsathirasak said.

“Thanks to the government’s continued support for the EV industry, we expect to see more companies applying for promotional privileges this year,” he added.

The BOI had earlier reported that four Japanese automakers, namely Toyota, Honda, Isuzu and Mitsubishi, had announced their intention to invest around 150 billion baht in the next four years for EV manufacturing in Thailand. This means Thailand’s EV industry will receive over 227 billion baht of investment from both Thai and foreign investors.

Narit said that EV promotion was a central policy of current and past governments as it contributed to two of the country’s main goals: reducing emissions in the transportation sector to lead Thailand towards carbon neutrality by 2050, and establishing a foundation for a new industry, expanding on the existing automotive industry that had been driving Thailand’s economy for the past 50 years.

To achieve the goal of becoming ASEAN’s No. 1 EV hub and ranking in the top 10 globally, the National Electric Vehicle Policy Board (EV Board) has set a 30@30 target, or producing 30% of EVs within the country by 2030, or approximately 725,000 units per year.

Meanwhile, the government on December 19 last year approved an extension of the EV promotion campaign, also known as EV 3.5 package, to continue supporting both EV manufacturing and adoption until 2027.

Under the EV 3.5 measures, the government will provide subsidies of approximately 100,000 baht per vehicle for imported EVs and require car manufacturers to establish EV manufacturing plants in Thailand at a ratio of 2-3 times the number of imports.

Narit said the BOI is also working on other campaigns to further support the EV industry, including studying suitable electricity rates for operators of EV charging stations and proposing to the EV Board, as well as expanding promotional privileges to EV-related businesses, such as battery-swapping stations.

• Finance Ministry to release ESG investment promotional package

The Finance Ministry is preparing to release an incentives package to support environment, social, governance (ESG) related investments. The package, which is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2024, will include tax deductions for investments in such projects.

According to the Finance Ministry's Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, the package aims to encourage private investment in ESG projects, which the government regards as vital to Thailand's long-term economic development and environmental sustainability.

Lavaron said the ministry is currently in the process of formulating sustainable development measures including initiatives aligned with ESG aspects and reflecting global investment trends. Businesses with strong ESG practices showcase their competitiveness and long-term growth potential, he noted

There is currently a variety of measures aimed at promoting and incentivising the country's transition towards sustainability, and carbon tax measures to encourage investments in green businesses that utilise renewable and cleaner energy sources are being considered.

The specific details of the package have yet to be released, but the Ministry has said that it will include tax deductions for a variety of ESG investments, namely in renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable tourism

The ministry said that the package will be fair and equitable, and will not discriminate against any particular type of ESG investment.

The release of the ESG support package is a significant step by the Thai government to promote environmentally sound and sustainable investments. The package is expected to encourage private investment in these important areas and help to make Thailand a more sustainable country.

In addition, it is expected to have a positive impact on Thailand's economy and environment, create jobs and boost economic growth, and also put Thailand on the map as a leader in ESG investment and make the country more attractive to foreign investors looking to invest in ESG programmes.

• Rubber trees title deeds project expected to boost farmers’ incomes

Three agricultural agencies on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at facilitating the operations and business expansion of rubber farmers, as well as serve as a foundation for carbon credit trading.

Initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), and the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAT), the project aims to evaluate crops with high economic value and issue corresponding title deeds to farmers, Agriculture Minister Captain Thamanat Prompow said on Friday.

The title deeds then can be used as collateral when applying for loans at the BAAC and participating financial institutions, he added.

Under the project, the RAT will be responsible for evaluating rubber trees and issuing the title deeds. More commercial banks are expected to join the campaign later.

“The title deeds would make it easier for farmers to access financial sources for their business expansion,” said Thamanat. “The project will also pave the way for carbon credit trading among rubber plantations, a move that would generate additional income to improve their quality of life, while helping the environment by cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.”

Thamanat said that after receiving the title deeds, rubber farmers can sign up for the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction programme (T-VER) and the BAAC’s Carbon Credit programme, which will officially launch next month.

Thamanat added that the ministry was considering adding more economic plants to the title deeds project, including Siamese rosewood trees, Hopea odorata, durians, and mangoes.

The Agriculture Ministry will hand out 25,000 land title deeds to farmers nationwide on Monday (January 15). This move is a part of the policy to change Sor Por Kor 4-01 documents into agricultural land title deeds to offer more benefits to farmers who have the rights to government land.

Agricultural land title deeds have a green Garuda seal on top of the document, compared to the red Garuda seal on normal land title deeds.

• BTS partners with Winnonie to launch electric motorcycle leasing service

BTS subsidiary Smart EV Bike Co Ltd took over the parking lot next to Mo Chit Skytrain station on January 12 to introduce the Pinto electric motorcycle that aims to reduce the pain of the ‘last mile’ between public transport and home while generating income for those offering motorbike rides.

The launch was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, Kavin Kanjanapas, CEO of BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited, Surapong Laoha-Unya, CEO of BTS Group Holding’s MOVE business unit.

Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group CEO and president of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, along with executives from Bangkok and BTS Group, Certain Corporation, Winnonie Co., Ltd., and Smart EV Bike Co., Ltd.

The Pinto electric motorcycle by Smart EV Bike is the result of the collaborative vision of BTS Group, a leading player in the global transportation and infrastructure industries, and Winnonie, a key player in the future energy sector.

The initiative aims to create a convenient, safe, and income-enhancing public transportation feeder system for motorcycle users, aligning with the future trends in the transportation industry.

The service is designed to improve overall travel convenience for electric train users.

The Pinto electric motorcycle also plays a vital role in addressing the issue of PM 2.5 air pollution caused by fossil fuel-powered engines.

Powered by an environmentally-friendly electric system, the Pinto contributes to the creation of a pollution-free society, aligning with the slogan 'Pinto growing together’.

In addition, to support income growth for the electric motorcycle community along the railway lines, Smart EV Bike has launched a special campaign. The leasing cost for the Pinto electric motorcycle has been reduced from 4,500 baht per month to 4,000 baht/month.

This price includes battery replacement services with unlimited frequency, free maintenance, and repairs for one year (conditions as specified by the company). Interested motorcycle users can apply for this promotion from today through June 30.

Somsak Thepsuthin expressed gratitude to BTS Group and Winnonie, a Bangchak subsidiary, for initiating the establishment of the joint venture known as Smart EV Bike, noting that it aligns with the government's policy to increase income and economic benefits for low-income individuals and contributes to the carbon neutrality policy to position Thailand as a leader in ASEAN in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The government is determined to promote a transformation in the country's energy structure that aligns with sustainable economic and environmental development.,

Somsak added, noting the commitment to support and encourage the use of clean energy, particularly in the public transportation system, focusing on hired motorcycles as a crucial component of the secondary transport system.

This is seen as vital for connecting with the primary transportation system, such as the various BTS SkyTrain lines, ensuring effective integration.

Chadchart was also full of praise for a service that offers the public access to a quality secondary source transportation system near BTS Skytrain stations.

“The Pinto electric motorcycle will enhance access to electric-powered vehicles for residents of Bangkok, contributing to increased income for the motorcycle taxi community along the railway routes,” he said. “It also addresses the issue of PM 2.5 air pollution, providing clean air for both riders and users of the BTS Skytrain.

Importantly, this project aligns with the policies of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, supporting clean energy transportation systems to mitigate long-term PM 2.5 air pollution hazards to public health.”

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is actively encouraging the private sector to install charging stations and replace motorcycle batteries in areas under its jurisdiction and hopes to see collaborative efforts pushing for an increased number of charging stations in the future.

Kavin Kanjanapas revealed that one of the key policies of BTS Group is to develop a public transportation system that is convenient, safe, and seamless.

However, beyond that, environmental considerations are crucial, and this is a global initiative that all organisations collectively drive.

“BTS Group therefore collaborated with leading future energy partners to develop a secondary transport system along the BTS Skytrain routes, resulting in the Pinto electric motorcycle.

This initiative serves as a vital foundation for over 200 motorcycle taxi groups along the Skytrain routes, providing them with income and improved quality of life,” Kavin emphasised.

“The Pinto electric motorcycle offers cost-effective electric power compared to conventional fuel, along with low-interest leasing options and convenient battery replacement services.

Additionally, the Pinto electric motorcycle can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% and minimise the generation of PM 2.5 pollutants, making it environmentally friendly.

BTS Group is committed to the continuous development of public transportation systems that cater to the needs of the people and the environment, aiming to expand the pollution-free society concept to cover all areas.”

For his part, Chaiwat Kovavisarach congratulated Smart EV Bike for providing electric motorcycle leasing services with the Pinto model for motorcycle taxi riders along the BTS Skytrain routes.

This initiative aims to offer BTS Skytrain passengers a seamless First Mile to Last Mile travel experience with clean energy, allowing them to travel from home to the station and back using electric public transportation.

Winnonie is dedicated to leading the Battery as a Service (BaaS) platform for electric motorcycles, targeting an increase in users to more than 1,000 and establishing 120 battery swap stations by the end of 2023, serving 60,000 users. The goal is to have 3,000 stations by 2030.

“The collaboration on Smart EV Bike is part of Winnonie's mission to advance the creation of a low-carbon society, support the improvement of quality of life and society, and sustainably preserve the environment.

This aligns with the trends both in the country and globally, providing a driving experience that is ‘Good for Us and Good for the World’," Chaiwat said.

• Thailand's electrical vehicle registrations surge 380% in 2023

Thailand witnessed a near 400 per cent surge in registrations of electric vehicles (EV) in 2023 over the previous year.

The Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) released a summary of the EV landscape, showcasing significant growth and a promising future for electric mobility in the country.

New registrations for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), particularly electric cars, reached 76,366 units in 2023, marking a substantial increase from 9,678 units in the previous year. Overall new registrations for EVs of various types surged to 100,219 units in 2023, demonstrating a growth of 380% compared to the 20,816 units registered in 2022.
The breakdown of new registrations for different types of electric vehicles in 2023:

BEV cars: 76,366 units

BEV motorcycles: 21,927 units

BEV passenger vehicles: 1,218 units

BEV tuk-tuk: 432 units

BEV trucks: 276 units

The BEV category experienced significant growth, increasing from 32,081 units in 2022 to 131,856 units in 2023, representing a remarkable 311% growth. This growth spanned all types of EVs, the association said.

Chinese automakers, including Chang'an, SAIC, and Great Wall Motors, took a prominent lead in signing up for EV 3.5 privileges. This reflects a continuous upward trend in Thailand's electric vehicle market, with these companies participating in the second phase of the Electric Vehicle 3.5 (EV 3.5) programme, the EV association said. This initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Land Transport, aims to support and promote the use of electric vehicles in Thailand.

Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, director-general of the Revenue Department, emphasised the government's commitment to driving the EV 3.5 support measures from 2023 to 2026. The policy is expected to propel Thailand into becoming a hub for electric vehicle production in the region. The EV 3.5 policy aligns with global environmental strategies, promoting carbon neutrality and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

It is deemed that the import of electric vehicles under the EV 3.5 policy will reach around 175,000 units between 2023 and 2024. This is expected to stimulate domestic production, with an estimated 350,000 to 525,000 electric vehicles rolling off the assembly lines in Thailand by 2026. The estimated financial support for the EV 3.5 policy is approximately 34.06 billion baht.

• Volvo to power regional EV sales with battery repair centre in Thailand

Volvo Car Thailand has unveiled plans to open a battery repair centre for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in Thailand in the second half of the year.

Managing director Chris Wailes announced the milestone at a media briefing on Thursday, saying the facility will serve Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region.

The repair centre will use advanced technologies to extend Volvo EVs’ battery life.

"This new facility is part of our commitment to transform the entire process of making a Volvo car in a genuinely sustainable way," he said.

The battery repair centre will be Volvo's fourth in the world.

The Swedish car giant is also collaborating with Singapore’s TES, a provider of sustainable technology lifecycle solutions, to reduce total running costs for Volvo's EVs and PHEVs.

Initiatives in the pipeline include lower insurance premiums and battery repair fees rather than purchasing a new unit.

Last year, Volvo Car Thailand announced an ambitious goal of switching to 100% EV auto production by 2025.

The company said both its EVs and the entire manufacturing process would become eco-friendly, resulting in less waste and energy consumption.

"Our car factory in Thailand will use 100% renewable energy by 2025, five years ahead of Volvo's 2030 target, and increase recycled material in the construction of Volvo cars to 30% by the end of this year," Wailes said.

The company said it was also making good progress towards its goal of reducing CO2 emissions by an average of 70% per car.

Volvo’s other sustainability initiatives in Thailand include installing solar roofing to power its Central Distribution & Training Centre in Bang Na by April.

The company says it is also on track to establish a nationwide mobile maintenance and repair service for Volvo EVs by 2025.

"We [Volvo] are looking for long-term growth over the next 10 years so we can outperform others," Wailes said.

Volvo reported a 24% rise in sales last year in Thailand, with fully electric vehicle sales accounting for 56% and Volvo's Recharge PHEV line accounting for 44%.

The carmaker projects sales growth exceeding 20% this year in the Thai market.

• Carbon credits from forests serve as new source of ‘green’ income

Carbon credits, representing the reduction of one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2), have emerged as a crucial weapon in the ongoing battle against climate change.

These credits can be traded on the market, offering a means to offset emissions from various sources.

According to an article in Krungthep Thurakij (bangkokbiznews.com), forests are the key players in this fight. Their ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass makes them integral in the fight against climate change. Planting trees or safeguarding existing forests has become a powerful strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Meanwhile, carbon credits from forests present a valuable source of income for forest owners and communities. Selling these credits becomes a financial reward for their efforts in protecting forests and mitigating climate change.

Contrary to general perception, obtaining carbon credits from forests is not that complicated. There are plenty of organisations specialising in helping forest owners to develop and trade these credits. The first step is identifying a well-managed forest with the potential to absorb or store significant amounts of CO2.

Once a suitable forest is pinpointed, the forest owner must devise a carbon management plan, detailing activities geared towards generating carbon credits. Approval from an independent third party is then sought for the plan, and upon approval, the forest owner can start the process of generating carbon credits.

These credits can be sold to a variety of buyers, including businesses, governments and individuals. The pricing of carbon credits is subject to several factors, such as forest quality, demand for credits and the state of the global economy.

The allure of carbon credits from forests lies in their potential to be a lucrative income source for forest owners and communities. By offering a financial incentive to protect forests, these credits play a vital role in curbing greenhouse gases and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Isuzu to invest THB32 bn in Thailand to make electric pickup trucks

Isuzu Motors has announced plans to invest 32 billion baht (or US$1.3 billion) in its production base in Thailand over the next five years.

The investment will be used to make electric pickup trucks, with the first vehicle scheduled to be made in Thailand in 2025, the company said.

Isuzu's decision to invest in electric pickup trucks is a part of the company's commitment to reducing its environmental impact. The company is also targeting the growing market for electric vehicles in Southeast Asia.

Isuzu's electric pickup truck will be based on the Isuzu D-Max pickup, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a range of up to 400 kilometres.

Isuzu is targeting the commercial and fleet sectors for its electric pickup truck. The company believes that the truck will be well-suited for businesses that need a reliable and efficient vehicle for transporting goods and people.

The investment in electric pickup trucks is seen as a significant step for the company and for the Thai automotive industry. The investment is expected to create jobs and boost the Thai economy.

The investment is also expected to help Thailand become a regional hub for the production of electric vehicles. The Thai government has set a target of having 60% of all new vehicles sold in Thailand to be electric by 2030.

• BIG partners with BG to cut carbon using climate tech

BIG and BG Container Glass have officially entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with the shared objective of examining strategies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the production processes of glass and plastic packaging.

This collaborative effort will make use of BIG's advanced Carbon Accounting Platform, specifically crafted for monitoring and mitigating carbon footprints. The primary focus will be on improving energy management practices within the packaging industry. Together, the two companies will also explore the incorporation of climate technology to further enhance sustainability in production processes.

The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marked a significant milestone, with the presence of key figures such as Piyabut Charuphen, Managing Director of BIG, and Silparat Watthanakasetr, Chief Executive Officer of BG Container Glass Public Company Limited (BGC).

This collaborative endeavour stands as a testament to their shared dedication to fostering innovation through climate technology, specifically addressing the reduction of carbon emissions in the production of glass and plastic packaging at BGC.

This strategic partnership signifies a crucial advancement in establishing guidelines for sustainable energy management, aligning seamlessly with BGC's ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The MoU emphasizes the joint commitment of both companies to conduct their operations in alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. This underscores the significance of adhering to these principles in fostering value-driven operational excellence and driving innovation.

Piyabut stated, “As a trailblazer in Climate Technology and a frontrunner in driving energy transition within the Thai industrial sector, BIG, a subsidiary of Air Products from the United States, remains steadfast in its commitment to global sustainability. Acknowledging the crucial importance of responsible energy usage, the creation of the Carbon Accounting Platform has played a pivotal role. This platform not only monitors but actively mitigates carbon emissions in the production process, addressing the sustainability requirements of industries that prioritize environmental stewardship.

"Our expertise will play a crucial role in assisting our business partners, and this collaboration represents a significant step forward in expanding the application of the Carbon Accounting Platform to the integrated packaging manufacturing sector. This solidifies our collective commitment towards achieving Net Zero goals."

Echoing this perspective, Silparat expressed, “BGC, as a producer and distributor of integrated packaging, is deeply committed to delivering innovative, quality, and environmentally friendly packaging products to consumers. Our collaboration with BIG introduces groundbreaking solutions, including a platform for planning and tracking, exemplified by the Carbon Accounting Platform from BIG. This initiative, tested for efficiency in our factories, aims to manage energy sustainably and efficiently reduce carbon emissions from the production process. It aligns seamlessly with BGC's overarching vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.”

In addition to carbon accounting, BIG and BGC are collaboratively exploring an unprecedented project that involves harnessing cutting-edge technology to enable the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source in glass furnaces.

This ambitious initiative aims to leverage cleaner and more efficient energy, extending to the adoption of hydrogen fuel for forklift trucks, facilitating their operation with hydrogen energy. The ongoing testing of this venture within the company’s factories is a significant step towards achieving the ultimate goal of a collective commitment to driving energy transition.

This shared objective, passionately embraced by BIG and BGC, is geared towards contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by both companies. Furthermore, this collaboration serves as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise, fostering innovation to meet sustainability imperatives within the industrial sector.

• Production and sales of EVs to rise again this year: FTI

The Federation of Thai Industry (FTI) expects the production of electric vehicles (EV) to soar to almost 2 million units this year and sales of EVs to reach 190,000 units.

According to Surapong Paisitpattanapong, vice president and spokesperson of the FTI's automotive industry club, the EV vehicles production target for this year is 1.9 million vehicles, up from 1.8 million vehicles in 2023.

The increase in production will be driven by strong demand from both the domestic and export markets. This is based on expectations that the Thai economy will grow by 3.5% in 2024, which will boost domestic demand for vehicles, while the export market is also expected to remain strong, as demand for Thai-made vehicles continues to grow in key markets such as the United States, Europe, and ASEAN.

The FTI also expects EVs to continue to grow in popularity this year. The association has set a sales target of 190,000 EVs for this year, up from 160,000 EVs in 2023.

The growth of EVs is being driven by government incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies for EV purchases. The government is also investing in the development of EV infrastructure, such as charging stations.

It is anticipated that more jobs will be created in the Thai automotive industry, which currently employs more than 1 million people and generates billions of baht in revenue

• CCMB Project Allies support Thailand in climate change, biodiversity, tourism

GIZ, in collaboration with DCCE and ONEP, supported by IKI, organized the Climate, Coastal, and Marine Biodiversity Project Event on Feb 5, 2024, at Pullman King Power Bangkok, with the backing of BMWK.

The purpose of the meeting was to present the project’s work plan and approaches and support collaborative partnerships among agencies and organisations to promote integrated and effective actions towards climate and biodiversity protection while conserving marine and coastal resources and promoting sustainable tourism.

In his opening remark, Khun Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, the Deputy Chief of Mission, German Embassy Bangkok emphasised: “Germany and Thailand have a long-standing partnership on sustainable development. Since its establishment 16 years ago, the International Climate Initiative (IKI) funded by the German government has considerably contributed to developing and advancing climate and environmental action in Thailand.

The IKI has been a crucial vehicle for the close Thai-German cooperation we have today with diverse political partners and in a wide range of projects.

The Climate, Coastal and Marine Biodiversity project, implemented by GIZ, is one of these projects. It supports its distinguished key political partners in advancing low-carbon, climate-resilient development as well as effectively safeguarding national marine and coastal biodiversity. CCMB supports both DCCE and ONEP to reach out to work with key partners in relevant sectors, notably the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE), reported at the meeting" "The CCMB project focuses on policy development for climate change, climate finance, conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity, and sustainable tourism development. It supports the design of diverse (policy) instruments, including legal, economic, and spatial instruments, such as Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

The CCMB project also places importance on building a network of experts by providing grants to institutions such as Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, Ramkhamhaeng University, and Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). This opens opportunities for Thai experts from various disciplines to actively collaborate and contribute their technical expertise, collaborating with government agencies to drive forward efforts in addressing climate change and promoting biodiversity in Thailand.

Furthermore, the collaborative network participating in today's event is considered a significant alliance in jointly enhancing Thailand’s potential and readiness in various dimensions to combat climate change, promote adaptation and low-carbon society, and encourage positive impacts on nature and sustainable development. This requires coherent implementation, both at policy and practitioner level, integrating with technical knowledge development to support efficient implementation."

Thalearngsak Petchsuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, delivered a special discourse on the Earth’s Planetary Boundaries. Currently, human activities have triggered transgression in at least 6 out of 9 boundaries that compromise the safety of the planet.

These boundaries include 1) Biodiversity loss, 2) Nitrogen-Phosphorus cycle, 3) Climate change, 4) Land system change, specifically deforestation, 5) Freshwater cycles’ alterations, and 6) Pollution from human-produced chemicals such as insecticides, industrial chemicals, and microplastics.

"The CCMB project addresses globally interconnected challenges, presenting us with a great opportunity to collectively enhance Thailand's future resilience and sustainable development. I am hopeful that collaboration in this project will lead to the development of policy and policy instruments to drive forward the transition to sustainable marine and coastal tourism. Simultaneously, it should positively lead to a better quality of life for communities at tourism destinations," he added.

Furthermore, the event featured key discussions. First on the topic: 'Aligning Global Agenda with National Policies: Perspectives on Decarbonisation, Climate Resilience, and Nature Positive Development.' The panel included the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the Deputy Secretary-General, Acting Secretary-General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and Director of the Division of Tourist Attraction Development, Department of Tourism".

The TED Talk session, titled 'Expert Perspectives on Decarbonisation, Climate Resilience, and Nature Positive Development,' featured Bundit Limmeechokchai, from Thammasat University, Supakorn Chinvanno from Chulalongkorn University, and Wichin Suebpala, from Ramkhamhaeng University.

The event concluded with a panel discussion on 'Journey towards Decarbonisation, Climate Resilience, and Nature Positive Development,' with Khun Suwit Nawakam, representative of PTT (PCL) Reforestation, Chutinan Mora, founder of Sea Slug Thailand, and Kittikun Saksung, from the Global Youth Biodiversity Network in Asia (GYBN Asia). The discussion was moderated by Petch Manopravitr, Chair of the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST).