Events, 21 October 2024
Prominent attendees included Mr. Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Economic Affairs at the German Embassy Bangkok; Mr. Timo Menniken, GIZ Thailand and Malaysia Country Director; and Mr. Pavich Kesavawong, Deputy Director General of Thailand’s Department of Climate Change and Environment, among others.
Mr. Hans-Ulrich Südbeck emphasized the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable cooling. “The successful outcomes of CIF and GCI III in Thailand and Asia demonstrate the power of international partnership,” he stated. Initiatives under these programs focus on using natural refrigerants to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Germany’s contributions to the initiative include regulatory measures for energy efficiency, financial incentives for technological innovation, and support for capacity building. These efforts have contributed to Thailand’s adoption of natural refrigerants like R290, a milestone marked by the certification of industrial standards for air-conditioning products.
Highlighting CIF’s achievements, Mr. Eakarat Samintarapanya, EGAT Assistant Governor and President of the CIF Management Committee, outlined key activities implemented over the past three years. These include:
These efforts are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40,000 tCO₂e, positioning Thailand’s cooling industry as a leader in green technology.
By fostering innovation and capacity building, EGAT and GIZ aim to transform Thailand’s air-conditioning and cooling sector. Their collaboration exemplifies a scalable model for sustainable development in Asia, aligning with global climate goals and supporting Thailand’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality.
