Solar synergy: Thai delegation taps into Australia’s clean energy expertise

A high-level Thai delegation recently completed a week-long knowledge exchange tour in Australia, focused on accelerating the energy transition. Hosted by the ANU 100 per cent Renewable Energy Group (RE100) and supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the visit offered a deep dive into Australia’s cutting-edge renewable energy landscape.

The program kicked off at the Australian National University in Canberra, where delegates engaged with leading experts through presentations and rapid-fire “lightning talks.” 

The delegation also toured key facilities including the ANU Centre for Energy System’s Distributed Energy Resources Laboratory (DERlab), clean energy innovators Sunstak and PVlab, and the Woodlawn Eco-precinct and Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in regional NSW. In Sydney, they met with solar forecasting firm Solcast, the ACDC research group at UNSW, electricity distributor Ausgrid, Energy Consumers Australia, and Zen Energy to discuss pumped hydro to support solar and wind farms. The visit concluded with participation in the Smart Energy Council conference.

Highlights included insights from Professor Mark Howden, a leading authority on climate change; Professor Andrew Blakers, a pioneer in solar cell technology; and Professor Jamie Pittock, a renowned water and energy systems expert.

“This trip was truly eye-opening,” said Munlika Sompranon from Thailand’s Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency. “It reaffirmed that a high penetration of renewable energy is achievable with planning, robust infrastructure, and active stakeholder engagement. 

“The innovative solutions and strategies being implemented in Australia inspire me to optimize grid flexibility and enhance energy resilience. These insights will guide me in refining our current policies and mechanisms, fostering greater integration of renewable energy technologies, and ensuring that our transition is both sustainable and inclusive. 

“For Thailand, this trip underscores Australia’s successes and challenges, offering valuable lessons that allow us to adapt and implement best practices while avoiding potential pitfalls. By leveraging these insights, we can accelerate our transition toward a cleaner, more efficient, and more resilient energy sector for all,” said Ms Sompranon.

“There is a lot of exciting work underway in Thailand. Last year they hosted us at the Lam Ta Khong pumped storage hydropower plant,” said Professor Jamie Pittock. They also have a great program for floating solar panels. This collaboration funded by DFAT benefits both our countries.” 

The delegation included 10 representatives from key Thai institutions: the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, the Board of Investment, the Energy Regulatory Commission, Chulalongkorn University, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, and the National Energy Technology Centre.