Research into hydrogen power for usage in government buildings
The possibility of using energy from hydrogen gas to generate electricity for itself is being investigated by the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok.
The president of Dhanarak Asset Development (DAD) Co., a state enterprise under the Finance Ministry, Nalikatibhag Sangsnit, claims that this kind of study expands on existing initiatives that the complex has already implemented, like solar panel utilisation.
The energy produced would be converted into electricity for internal use within the buildings, beginning with the Thanapipat Building, which houses DAD’s headquarters and is well-equipped in various aspects with high potential for operational development. Mr. Nalikatibhag stated that safety and long-term cost-saving considerations are crucial in this planning process.
Editor’s Note: The Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok is exploring the feasibility of utilizing hydrogen gas to generate electricity for its buildings, with a focus on the Thanapipat Building, home to Dhanarak Asset Development’s headquarters. Nalikatibhag Sangsnit of Dhanarak Asset Development emphasizes the importance of safety and long-term cost savings as integral factors in the planning process for this energy initiative.
State expedites negotiations for Thai-EU free trade association
Thai-European Free Trade Association (Efta) negotiations are being accelerated by the government with the goal of concluding them this year.
After meeting with Swiss ambassador Pedro Zwahlen, Minister of Commerce Phuntham Wechayachai stated that the talks have been accelerated to conform to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration policy of expanding opportunities and boosting the competitiveness of Thai businesses.
The four nations that make up Efta are Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. The talks are now in progress and should be concluded this year.
In addition to helping trade and investment opportunities between trading partners, this will help Thailand and Switzerland as well as the other Efta member states raise standards to an international level in response to evolving global trade regulations that prioritise sustainable development.
Editor’s Note: The Thai government is expediting negotiations for the Thai-European Free Trade Association (Efta) with the aim of concluding them this year, aligning with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s policy to enhance opportunities and competitiveness for Thai businesses. Minister of Commerce Phuntham Wechayachai emphasized the importance of elevating standards to international levels in response to evolving global trade regulations, benefiting not only Thailand and Switzerland but also the other Efta member states.
Toyota to produce electric pickups in Thailand
An industry observer views Toyota’s decision to produce electric pickup trucks in Thailand as a new attempt to revive its development of zero-emission vehicles. Toyota hopes to capitalize on the country’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market.
As nickel, which is needed to make EV batteries, is scarce in Japan, Toyota is also eager to create hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The company plans to produce battery-powered pickups at two factories: one in the Samrong district of Samut Prakan and another at the Gateway City Industrial Estate in Chachoengsao.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2766253/toyota-to-make-electric-pickups-in-thailand
Thailand eager to participate in the chip trend
The Board of Investment (BoI) states that Thailand hopes to draw in further foreign investment this year in order to create advanced semiconductors.
In an effort to reduce geopolitical risk, numerous Chinese and Taiwanese businesses intend to increase their investment in Thailand, notably in the printed circuit board industry, according to Wirat Tatsaringkansakul, deputy secretary-general of the BoI
The BoI claims that 800 billion baht was invested in Thailand’s semiconductor industry overall in 2023.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/investment/2767123/thailand-keen-to-join-the-chip-frenzy
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI) is actively seeking increased foreign investment this year to bolster the production of advanced semiconductors, with a particular focus on attracting investment from Chinese and Taiwanese companies aiming to mitigate geopolitical risks. Deputy Secretary-General Wirat Tatsaringkansakul highlights the growing interest in Thailand’s semiconductor sector, citing a substantial investment of 800 billion baht in 2023, signaling the country’s eagerness to participate in the global chip trend.
MOU for regional digitization and AI signed by Depa and Digital China Group
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) and the Digital China Group. The agreement declared collaboration in a number of sectors, such as the development of the digital economy, cloud computing, the building of digital infrastructure, Big Data centres, and the development of digital talent. The two sides committed to working together to support Thailand’s advancement of cutting-edge digital technologies like artificial intelligence.
The goal of this partnership, according to Wetang Phuangsup, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, is to improve social well-being in both the public and private sectors amid the rapid growth of technology.
Thailand’s acknowledgment of the digital age’s significance for sustainable development and comprehensive growth is shown by the tremendous effects of the shift to digitalization on economies, industries, and human connections.
https://www.ryt9.com/en/prg/275524
Used Battery Recycling Initiative, first for Thailand
The ‘Circular Economy Initiative through Battery Recycling Project’, which uses the ECOARC Furnace to recover recyclable materials from reusable batteries for economic value, was declared successful by Panasonic Energy (Thailand) (PECTH), UMC Metals, and CP.
Because Panasonic batteries don’t contain any components that are hazardous to the environment, they are the only ones that can go through this melting process and extract recyclable materials.
Furthermore, the project aims to reach 1,000 locations by 2024, expanding on the collaboration with CP All from the previous year to install used battery collection boxes at 7-Eleven locations. This will enable additional used batteries to be gathered and incorporated into the Circular Economy.
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/thailand/economy/40036632
Editor’s Note: Panasonic Energy (Thailand), UMC Metals, and CP have successfully implemented the ‘Circular Economy Initiative through Battery Recycling Project’, marking Thailand’s first significant step in used battery recycling. By utilizing the ECOARC Furnace, Panasonic batteries are uniquely capable of undergoing a melting process to extract recyclable materials, paving the way for further expansion with a target of 1,000 collection locations by 2024, including collaboration with CP All to install collection boxes at 7-Eleven outlets.
publiCT.io launches ESG newslytics.ai, an AI-powered platform
The public relations (PR) tech startup publiCT.io has unveiled its exclusive ESG Newslytics.ai platform, which aims to enhance the way businesses evaluate news coverage about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) subjects.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are used by ESG Newslytics.ai to harvest and analyze news data from a wide range of sources. Designed with communicators looking to improve their ESG story in mind, the tool provides in-depth information to help with the creation of strategic communications.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/startups/publictio-launches-ai-powered-platform-esg-newslyticsai
Editor’s Note: publiCT.io, a public relations tech startup, has launched ESG Newslytics.ai, an AI-powered platform designed to revolutionize how businesses assess news coverage on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) topics. Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, ESG Newslytics.ai gathers and analyzes news data from diverse sources, offering communicators comprehensive insights to enhance their ESG narratives and strategic communications efforts.
Maybank and Gentari to collaborate to develop sustainable solutions for individuals and SMEs
An MOU has been signed by Maybank and Gentari for studying collaboration in green transportation and renewable energy solutions.
Customers will have greater access and benefits as a result of this partnership since Gentari’s charging stations will be included in Maybank Islamic’s InCharge pre-credits. According to Gentari, Malaysia has the largest network of DC fast chargers. For owners of EV and hybrid vehicles with Maybank Islamic Auto financing, Maybank Islamic InCharge is an EV pre-credit incentive programme that offers credits that may be used at specific charging stations.
Maybank claims that it will also be constructing charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles at its network of locations and branches across the country, starting with ten carefully selected sites, in collaboration with Gentari, the sustainable energy solutions partner.
SOLS Energy: A pioneering initiative in Malaysia’s solar energy landscape
Leading home solar installer in the country, SOLS Energy, a greentech startup is leading the way in the paradigm shift towards sustainable energy with its innovative ‘Home Solar Subscription Programme,’ a first for Malaysia’s solar energy market. Petronas Ventures provided funding for SOLS Energy, which was established in 2015.
This ground-breaking initiative, which offers homeowners an easier and more convenient approach to accept solar energy than ever before, is a major turning point.
The Home Solar Subscription Programme was launched in an effort to change how solar energy is used in Malaysia, with the main objective being to encourage widespread solar power adoption among Malaysian households. The programme removes financial obstacles by paying for all upfront installation costs, allowing homeowners to choose solar energy without having to worry about high upfront expenditures.
Editor’s Note: SOLS Energy, a pioneering greentech startup in Malaysia’s solar energy sector, is spearheading the adoption of sustainable energy through its innovative ‘Home Solar Subscription Programme,’ a first in the country’s solar market. Backed by funding from Petronas Ventures and established in 2015, this initiative aims to revolutionize solar energy usage by offering homeowners a convenient and cost-effective way to embrace solar power without upfront installation expenses, thus promoting widespread adoption of renewable energy in Malaysian households.
Green power Programme expected to create RM2.4 billion in EPCC jobs
MIDF Research estimates that the Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP) will create RM2.4 billion in engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) jobs for photovoltaic (PV) systems with a capacity of 800-megawatt (MW).
By 2050, the government wants to attain net zero emissions, with 70% of the total generation capacity coming from renewable energy (RE).
By 2050, at least 20 GW of new renewable energy must be added, with over 90% of the energy coming from solar power.
The government has launched a number of initiatives to encourage investment in solar power, including the CGPP, large-scale solar projects (LSS), Net Energy Metering (NEM) mechanism, and Feed-in Tariff scheme.
IIB to collaborate with Cenergi SEA to create the first net-zero central business district in the Medini region
In Medini, Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) and Cenergi SEA Bhd have joined forces to create the first net zero carbon central business district (CBD) in the region.
Chief executive officer Hairol Azizi Tajudin of Cenergi Group stated that the company’s partnership with IIB consists of two main goals: giving solar energy to power IIB’s renewable energy (RE) zone and the CBD, as well as supplying renewable energy certificates (RECs) to support IIB’s environmental initiatives.
With an emphasis on digitalization, innovation, and global business services (GBS), the CBD seeks to combine Cenergi’s and IIB’s resources to cooperate on a range of RE exploration projects.
Editor’s Note: Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) and Cenergi SEA Bhd have collaborated to develop the first net-zero carbon central business district (CBD) in Medini, emphasizing sustainability and renewable energy. This partnership aims to supply solar energy to power the renewable energy zone and the CBD while providing renewable energy certificates (RECs) to support IIB’s environmental initiatives, leveraging digitalization, innovation, and global business services (GBS) to drive forward renewable energy exploration projects.