On February 14, 2023, at the Office of the University’s Phraya Srivisaravaja Meeting Room, CMU partnered with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Enapter to launch a project called, ‘Making Chiangmai a Knowledge Hub for Green Hydrogen,’ aiming to promote Chiangmai as the training center for modular green hydrogen systems in Thailand and ASEAN, as well as to drive the green hydrogen market in the region.
Professor Dr Pongruk Sribunditmongkol, President of CMU, revealed that ‘The project called “Making Chiangmai a Knowledge Hub for Green Hydrogen” by CMU, GIZ and Enapter aims to promote Chiang Mai as a training center for modular green hydrogen systems in Thailand and ASEAN, as well as to drive the green hydrogen market in the region. The project will hopefully increase trust in green hydrogen, accelerate decision-making, make adaptations and ensure higher-quality projects through management and technician training for system integrators, project developers and consumers. The project is a collaboration with Enapter, a German company that produces AEM electrolysers, which will provide training for CMU staff from various faculties to become speakers/knowledge providers on ‘green hydrogen and electrolysis technology for the public.’
‘During the 30 years of collaboration, CMU and GIZ have together promoted bio-gas production in Thailand and since then, the bio-gas production systems have been built and installed in factories and livestock farms with more than 1,000 systems installed nationwide.’
‘The project ‘Making Chiangmai a Knowledge Hub for Green Hydrogen’ is built on successful past collaborations and it is bringing us one step closer to a more sustainable future with the hope that green hydrogen will enjoy the same success as bio-gas. We are confident that it will help CMU achieve its carbon neutrality goal and support the country’s mission of reaching net zero in the future.’
Mr Tim Nees, the Project Coordinator of GIZ, stated that ‘The project “Making Chiangmai a Knowledge Hub for Green Hydrogen” includes a training facility that develops and presents programs about the modular hydrogen systems and a demonstration site that exhibits Enapter’s hydrogen systems located at the “Ban Phi Suea (Butterfly House) Project” in San Phi Suea Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District. It will educate project developers on eco-friendly hydrogen systems and provide direct experience in the management and technical training involving modular hydrogen systems. This initiative will position Thailand and Chiangmai particularly as a pioneer in modular hydrogen systems, potentially attracting stakeholders from all over ASEAN.’
The project’s training center will play a vital role in providing participants with the necessary education and hands-on experience in the management and technical training involving modular hydrogen systems. It will also help build a solid foundation for new generations of experts in this field of study and advance emerging innovation projects, ultimately supporting the new green industry’s growth and enhancing Chiangmai’s and Thailand’s economic potential, while also emphasizing the importance of the environment.