Gap in Thailand’s energy structure at Future Energy Asia 2024

The “Gap in Thailand’s energy structure” session kicks off with a Design Thinking workshop designed to harness creative problem-solving in reimagining energy strategies. This segment involves young future leaders working collaboratively in groups to propose innovative solutions and initiatives for Thailand’s energy transition. This hands-on workshop not only encourages teamwork but also nurtures the creative problem-solving skills necessary for addressing complex energy issues.

Following the workshop, the session transitions to a series of expert-led talks that delve into various aspects of the energy transition. These talks cover a range of topics such as sustainable investment, innovations aimed at reducing carbon footprints, climate finance, policy instruments, and the integration of Generative AI in energy processes. Esteemed speakers from the realms of academia, finance, and industry will share their insights, aiming to provide actionable strategies and stimulate dialogue among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academics. The goal is to foster a collaborative approach to drive a sustainable energy future in Thailand.

Place: QSNCC MR206B

Main Event: FEA 2024

Date: 16 May 2024

Schedule

Design Thinking Workshop

10:45 - 12:00

Design Thinking Workshop by Dr. Chanon Pornrungroj

14:00 – 14:25

Thailand's Climate Finance and Policy Instruments aimed at unlocking the energy market by Thachatat Kuvarakul, Principal Advisor, Creagy Company Limited

14:25 – 14:50

Unlocking Innovation and Biophilic Development for Sustainable Tropical Cities by Prof. Ariya Aruninta, Head of the Healthy Environment Landscape and BioPhilic Planning - Research Unit (HEaL-BiP)

14:50 – 15:15

Generative AI and Energy transition, by Prof. Supot Teachavorasinskun, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University

15:15 – 15:40

Towards Net Zero: Banking Sector Initiatives and Decarbonization Challenges in Energy Transition by Dr. Wichai Narongwanich, First Senior Vice President, KBank

15:40 – 16:00

Q&A Session

Stakeholders seminar (Keynotes)

Our Keynote Speakers

Prof. Supot Teachavorasinskun

Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University

Professor Supot Teachavorasinskun is the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand's leading educational institution. He manages the strategic direction, academic development, and operational management of the faculty, emphasizing innovation and excellence in engineering education. His leadership is crucial in establishing collaborations with industry leaders and prestigious international universities, thereby enhancing the faculty's global reputation. Additionally, Professor Teachavorasinskun prioritizes the integration of advanced technology and sustainable practices into the engineering curriculum, equipping students to address contemporary engineering challenges effectively.

Dr. Wichai Narongwanich

First Senior Vice President, KBank

Dr. Narongwanich is a First Senior Vice President of KBank. He has experience in various areas of banking sector such as risk management, data & analytics, ESG, and sustainable finance. Before he joined KBank, he worked with Research Group, Enron Corp, on energy derivatives pricing and risk modeling. He has a Ph.D. in Operations Research and an M.S. in Financial Engineering from the University of Michigan and is a CFA and FRM charter holder.

Thachatat Kuvarakul

Principal Advisor, Public Advisory, Creagy Company Limited

Thachatat is the Principal Advisor and Head of the Project Management Unit at Creagy, a leading consultancy firm specializing in climate advisory services for both the private and public sectors. With over eight years of experience at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Jakarta and Bangkok, Thachatat has managed key cooperation projects between ASEAN-Germany and Thailand-Germany, focusing on renewable energy, energy transition, and climate change initiatives.

Previously, Thachatat held the position of Assistant Vice President of Energy & Carbon Management at Gunkul Engineering Public Company Limited, where he managed business development in energy storage systems (ESS), virtual power plants (VPP), and climate asset management.

Thachatat earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) and furthered his expertise with a Master of Science in Energy Systems from the University of Applied Sciences Aachen (Germany). He is an active member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), including the Thailand Chapter.

Prof. Ariya Aruninta

Head of BioPhilic Planning Research Unit (HEaL-BiP)

Chulalongkorn University

Dr. Ariya Aruninta is a Full-Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Chulalongkorn University, where she leads the Healthy Environment Landscape and BioPhilic Planning - Research Unit (HEaL-BiP). Her distinguished professional experience includes serving as Deputy Director of Chulalongkorn University's Social Research Institute. Notably, she was appointed by the Prime Minister of Thailand as one of five honorable board members of the Thailand's Council of Architects.Dr. Aruninta has actively contributed to various national-level committees, including as a secretariat member of the sub-committee on Environment and Urban Planning Reform within the National Reform Council.Since 2007, she has represented the Thai Association of Landscape Architects (TALA) on the International Federation of Landscape Architects - IFLA council. In 2011, she chaired the IFLA Asia Pacific Regional Congress held in Bangkok.

Dr. Chanon Pornrungroj

Lecturer, Department of Chemical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University

Dr. Chanon received his PhD degree from the University of Cambridge, UK, in 2023 under the guidance of Professor Erwin Reisner. Currently, he is a lecturer at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. Dr. Chanon is driven by a profound commitment to leveraging science and technology to help Thailand achieve its net-zero emissions goal. His research focuses on decarbonizing the energy sector via chemical energy storage, such as solar fuels and e-fuels. By harnessing renewable fuels derived from renewable energy and resources to produce storable and transportable fuels such as green hydrogen and ammonia, he aims to significantly reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels. Through innovative research and practical applications, Dr. Chanon is dedicated to developing and promoting clean energy solutions that are both efficient and scalable, creating a sustainable future for Thailand.