Chulalongkorn University: A Knowledge Hub Supporting Policy Development in Clean Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies

In an era marked by the global climate crisis, advancing clean energy and energy-efficient technologies has become a critical mission for governments and societies worldwide. As a leading academic institution, Chulalongkorn University plays an active role in informing and supporting government policy development in this field. With expertise from its dedicated units such as the Energy Research Institute (ERI), the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn serves as a reliable source of data, research, and recommendations for clean energy and energy efficiency policies. Its contributions extend to government bodies and stakeholders at the local, regional, national, and global levels, as well as private sector partners. Example:

1. Public Forum: “Breaking the Clean Energy Policy Trap, Creating Opportunities for Thailand” – August 22, 2024

At this high-level forum organized by the Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) project in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), ERI, Thai PBS Podcast, The Active, and the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), Dr.Siripha Junlakarn, researcher at ERI, presented findings from the study “Unlocking Rooftop Solar to Drive Thailand Toward a Sustainable Clean Energy Future.”

The research emphasized the importance of a clear government policy framework for promoting renewable energy, particularly distributed solar generation, while also proposing risk-reducing measures for rooftop solar investment. Three key policy recommendations were highlighted:

1. Establishing clear targets and project designs to encourage the adoption of clean energy technologies, reduce costs of grid expansion, and support new business models under proper regulation.
2. Creating a one-stop service mechanism to streamline licensing procedures, reduce administrative redundancy, and lower costs.
3. Preparing the national electricity grid to accommodate consumers who also generate electricity.

These recommendations were intended to inform the government’s Power Development Plan (PDP 2024), where rooftop solar and independent power supply (IPS) systems had not yet been sufficiently addressed. By providing such evidence-based input, Chulalongkorn University contributes directly to shaping national clean energy policy development. [ https://greennews.agency/?p=38720 ]

2. Chulalongkorn–EGAT Collaboration on Key Energy Technologies – June 24, 2025

Chulalongkorn University and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in research, innovation, and knowledge exchange. This collaboration focuses on key energy technologies vital for Thailand’s transition to sustainable power, including:

• Grid modernization
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Hydrogen and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
• Small Modular Reactors (SMR)
• Supercritical CO₂ power cycles (sCO₂)
• Plasma and fusion technologies
• Renewable energy integration
• Community, environmental, and social impact research (area-based studies)

Through this collaboration, Chulalongkorn and EGAT aim to advance technological innovation, create high-performance energy systems, and meet diverse user needs sustainably. The research outcomes will provide policy-relevant evidence to support the Thai government in developing clean energy and energy-efficiency policies at the regional and national levels. [ https://www.research.chula.ac.th/mou-chula-and-egat/ ]

3. Hydrogen from Renewable Energy: Driving Thailand Toward a Sustainable Future – September 15, 2025

Another landmark initiative was the partnership between EGAT and Chula Unisearch. Together, they launched a funded research project on “Applying ESG Principles to Support the Sustainable Development of Hydrogen and Hydrogen Derivatives from Renewable Energy.”

This collaboration integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards into clean hydrogen production projects, ensuring they are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and governed transparently. The project not only fosters innovation in clean hydrogen technology but also provides a framework for sustainable energy transition in Thailand. Importantly, the research outputs will serve as academic evidence for government agencies, strengthening future policy development on clean energy and energy-efficient technologies in alignment with global best practices. [ https://www.egat.co.th/home/en/20250410e/ ]

Through these initiatives, Chulalongkorn University reinforces its role as a policy knowledge hub and a trusted partner of government agencies. By combining cutting-edge research, multi-level cooperation, and international collaboration, the university actively contributes to advancing clean energy transitions and energy-efficient technology policies at the local, regional, national, and global levels.