Taiwan and Thailand share experiences in water management and renewable energy

2022-09-24 06:18:19 By : Mr. Yang Lao

Thai entrepreneurs are invited to directly experience the best innovation in Taiwan in this Oct-Nov

Many countries around the world are facing more severe water problems every year, ranging from severe floods to severe droughts. In some regions of Thailand, some areas face flooding during some seasons. However, the excess water cannot be utilized. Meanwhile, many areas have water shortage problems. Particularly, the newly established Eastern Special Development Zone in the eastern region is expected to require enormous amounts of water in the future. Therefore, effective water management is a significant mission that requires urgent preparation and action.

Recognizing the importance of this issue, Taiwan Trade Center, Bangkok (TAITRA) organized a seminar "Taiwan Water Management & Sustainable Energy" to convey the experience in water management and renewable energy solutions for sustainable development to Thai Entrepreneurs. 

Mr. Max Chang, Director of Taiwan Trade Center, Bangkok (TAITRA) stated at the seminar that Taiwan has a global reputation as a leader in the development of products and technologies for the industrial sector, especially in the water, energy, and Greentech industries. This seminar is a good opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs in all industries to gain information and learn about success stories of Taiwan which is ready to develop cooperation with Thailand in this matter. 

“Green energy policy is an emerging trend in Taiwan, and we hope that Thai entrepreneurs may consider the business partnership with Taiwanese entrepreneurs as a great investment option for success in water management and sustainable energy development in Thailand.” 

Mr. Chuchat Saitin, Vice Chairman of Water & Environment Institute of Sustainability, Federation of Thai Industries, and Managing Director of Amata Water Co., Ltd. gave a presentation titled "Industry Overview of Water Management in Thailand" that due to the growth of industrial areas in the eastern region, the water demand in the future is estimated to reach 5,700 cubic meters, while the water storage capacity of the areas is currently only 2,400 cubic meters. Therefore, if no expediting action is taken to develop water resources and enhance water efficiency, including the development of surface water, ground water, water usage, water recycle, and seawater desalination, the problem of water shortage tends to become severe. According to the analysis of Thailand's statistical data together with the El Niño and La Niña phenomenon, it was found that Thailand had faced drought condition every 4-5 years, and the next round of drought was expected to occur around 2025-2026. 

“Two types of water crises in Thailand are floods and droughts. The industrial sector will be in deep trouble in case of drought. Over the past period, flooding had occurred every year. Nevertheless, the floods started and ended within a short period of time. To store such water efficiently for further use in the industrial sector and domestic consumption requires innovative technologies for sustainable water management. Today I have the opportunity to learn such technologies from Taiwan, which has been recognized for its water technology and water management system.”  

Mr. Chuchat mentioned about the water management experience of Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate that there is a wastewater treatment plant for conveying treated water to be reused in power plants and green areas. In addition to reducing costs, it also helps slow down global warming, and return treated water to the industrial system. Currently, Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate has 5 wastewater recycling plants which can reduce main water usage by 40%. This is a model of industrial estate which is recognized as outstanding in the field of water management. At present, every plant also serves as a learning center for the general public. 

Mr. Arthit Vejkit, Committee of The Institute of Industrial Energy, Vice Chairman of Renewable Energy Industry Club Federation of Thai Industries, and Chairman of Neo Clean Energy Co., Ltd. stated that at present, in addition to rising energy costs, the industrial sector is also facing other challenges, such as trade protectionism in relation to carbon emissions. In 2050, if carbon neutrality is required, Thailand must focus on maximizing energy efficiency, as well as finding renewable energy and changing fuel consumption. If failing to solve the problems, Thailand is likely to be ranked in top 10 countries which will be adversely affected by global warming. 

“If we continue using fossil fuels at a percentage of about 65-70% of total fuel consumption, we will not be able to get through the global situation in 2050. Therefore, the new National Energy Plan of Thailand must be flexible and adapt to the changes in the energy global situation. However, such plan has not been finalized until now.” 

Mr. Arthit concluded that, in fact, if the government unlocks the Zero Export regulations by encouraging people to generate electricity from solar cells and sell excess electricity generated to others through transmission lines, it will help increase the renewable energy consumption in Thailand by 2 times immediately. 

Mr. Michael Chung, Managing Director of Asia Water Engineering Co., Ltd. provided an example of underground “monkey cheeks” in many countries. Besides being used as flood water retention basins, it can be utilized for other benefits.   In addition, he also introduced ceramic filters that can greatly help filter and retain natural water. In the event of flooding disasters in Thailand, if using the ceramic filter to build a storage area along the road that has frequent flooding problems, the ceramic filter will help collect and filter some bacteria and various residues coming from the flowing water, whether caused by continuous rain, or flooding from the -  

north. The water treated by the ceramic filter can be used for washing purpose. Thus, the flooding water can be utilized immediately. 

“It’s time that all sectors of Thailand must consider and seek innovations to solve these problems. Taiwan is willing to disseminate know-how on water management and renewable energy to both the public sector and Thai entrepreneurs.”

Mr. Phattarapong Dhithkornpokin, Trade Promotion Specialist of Taiwan Trade Center, Bangkok (TAITRA), said that Thai entrepreneurs had informed TAITRA that they would like to have the opportunity to attend trade shows in Taiwan so as to have a direct experience in exploring the innovative systems of water management and renewable energy. This should be more beneficial than visiting online events. In this year TAITRA also offers sponsorship for accommodation and air tickets for some entrepreneurs who meet the criteria as required. 

In this regard, TAITRA would like to invite Thai entrepreneurs to attend 3 trade shows, showcasing new technologies related to water management and renewable energy in Taiwan, namely, Taiwan International Water Week on October 13-15, 2022, Energy Taiwan Exhibition on October 19-21, 2022, and Taiwan Alliance for Sustainable Supply (TASS) on November 3-5, 2022. For more information, please contact TAITRA by phone at 02-651-4470 or by email at bangkok@taitra.org.tw 

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