Bangkok, 8 March 2017 – Ministry of Energy and Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Transport and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, is organizing Sustainable Energy & Technology Asia 2017 (SETA 2017) between 8 and 10 March 2017 at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC). Riding on the theme, Towards a Low-Carbon Society, the second edition of this event covers four significant topics, including energy policy making and planning, low-carbon power generation technology, energy for low-carbon transportation and smart city and green industry, which are destined to promote and develop sources of knowledge concerning energy and related technology. This year’s highlights include hybrid technology and electric cars.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, the Thai government is gearing towards energy security with a continuous attempt to maintain the availability of the country’s energy resources in all forms. He said, “Our focus on energy development covers everything from manufacturing process, transportation to distribution and selling. It is essential to make things more practical and reasonable especially in terms of price structure of energy, which should reflect actual costs and does not place an extra financial burden on the public sector. It should also encourage the country’s long-term development, reduce impacts on the environment and help promote energy efficiency that allows for sustainable development.
At the second edition of SETA, it is a great opportunity for Thailand to showcase a significant advancement in the country’s energy sector as well as its potential to position itself as an energy hub in Asia where Asian countries can build a network of energy collaboration. Again, this year’s event is attended by country representatives and thought leaders from around the world who get together to discuss the future of energy. Local and international investors are also provided with an impressive opportunity to learn and exchange new ideas, share new technologies and innovations while they are meeting, discussing and enjoying business matching. Thai investors also benefit immensely from this event as they see new opportunities for business expansion to overseas markets.
General Anantaporn Kanchanarat, Energy Minister, said, “The Energy 4.0 policy is in line with the government’s Thailand 4.0 initiative, which is set to improve the quality of life, competitiveness and the average income of Thai people. As part of this, the Smart Cities Project involves transforming communities into smart cities by promoting energy efficiency with the use of smart grid in order to provide community dwellers with greater convenience and allows for less energy consumption. In addition to the use of clean and environmentally friendly energy, this sustainable approach also includes the construction of smart buildings and the installation of smart meters to facilitate the most effective management of electricity, the supply of electricity to people using electric vehicles, the expansion of charging service to key locations such as shopping centers, parking lots, government offices and the production of electric tuk tuk. This high-performance power grid is also expected to help promote tourism and reduce noise and air pollutions. Now researchers are working on high-capacity batteries called energy storage, which is smaller in size with cheaper price, but higher in quality. As the effective management of the country’s energy sector relies on various factors, the Energy Ministry strives to achieve a better balance between energy security, fairness and environmental protection in order to lead to sustainable success.”
Transport Minister Lieutenant General Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said, “Ministry of Transport has developed a draft 20-year strategy for the overall development of Thailand’s transport sector, starting from 2017 and continues until 2036. This will be used as a framework for Thailand’s future development of transportation network by focusing on development approaches that address changing lifestyles, transport behaviors and needs of commuters. These can be performed under three main concepts comprising Green Transport, which concentrates on reducing the use of fossil energy sources and shifting to cleaner or alternative energy as well as promoting environmentally friendly transportation technology. Secondly, Transport Efficiency is destined to increase transport and logistics efficiency by reducing logistics costs and using rail network and water as main transport modes, with road transport as supporting channel. Lastly, Inclusive Transport involves improvements in the transportation network that enable all users, including aging people, persons with disability and children, to get easy access to public transportation services at reasonable prices and with strategic development pathways for the country’s entire transport system.”
Dr. Achaka Sriboonruang, Science and Technology Minister, pointed out that the Science and Technology Ministry continues to support research projects that allow for increasing competitiveness and is relevant to the country’s 20-year development framework (2017-2036) which aims to raise the country’s economic competitiveness as it is moving towards a developed country. This can be achieved through the use of science, technology and innovation as part of key drivers. Knowledge is fundamental to the improvement of capabilities in industrial development in diverse fields, especially agro-industry, food and alternative energy. To achieve the goal, it is important that science and technology are effectively applied and transferred to schools and communities nationwide.”
To complement this year’s event and make it more valuable, there are lectures, seminars and workshops held by international organizations and leading companies in a variety of energy related matters. These include, for instance, “CEO Energy Forum” featuring a historic assembly of energy gurus from around the world. Energy insights and regional co-operations can be experienced through attending “CLMVT Energy Forum,” “Financing in Energy by Deloitte,” and “Hybrid & EV Technology Zone”. For more information, visit www.SETA.Asia.
SETA 2017 draws a lot of attraction from more than 5,000 executives and representatives from government agencies, state enterprises and the private sector as well as manufacturers, power generating firms, academics, industry experts, alternative energy firms, financial institutions, investors and the general public. The event space covers 9,000 square meters and features more than 150 booths. Highlighted zones include hybrid energy, electric vehicles, solar cell and smart cities presented by exhibitors from Tokyo and Bangkok in addition to more than 40 international pavilions. Visitors also benefit from business matching with partners from Canada, Germany, Taiwan, Korea, China, Japan, India, Malaysia and Singapore. Started today (8 March 2017), SETA 2017 will continues until 10 March 2017, 10.00am – 6.00pm, at Hall 103-104 of BITEC, Bangna.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Wuttaya Hnunphadgee
Gat International Co., Ltd.
Tel: +66(0)2-519-2727, +66(0)87-794-6455
Ms. Supamas Phulsawat
Idea Works Communications Co., Ltd.
Tel: +66(0)89-686-5070