Regional training week in Thailand brings energy efficiency experts from across Southeast Asia

Bangkok – The International Energy Agency and Thailand’s Ministry of Energy co-hosted the third Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies Training Week for Southeast Asia this week, with more than 170 energy efficiency professionals attended from government institutions, industry, academia and supporting organisations across the region. The four-day event supported Thailand’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, which set energy efficiency in the region as one of its priorities.

Thailand’s Minister of Energy, H.E. Dr. Siri Jirapongphan, commended the IEA for co-organising the training week as “being significant in enhancing the capacity of ASEAN member countries to excel in their energy efficiency collaboration in accordance with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC). The effectiveness of this collaborative effort is evidenced by the fact that, with the achievement of a 21% reduction in energy intensity in 2018, the ASEAN region has already surpassed the reduction target of 20% set for 2025. This training week will equip the ASEAN community with the capability to attain a more ambitious goal.”

Participants immersed themselves in one of five parallel courses focused on buildings, industry, appliances and equipment, urban planning, and indicators or evaluation. Experts from the IEA led participants through an interactive agenda, with lectures, discussions, practical exercises, and group activities. In all, the IEA provided 160 hours of training to participants.

“Energy efficiency is one of the most affordable ways for countries to meet their energy needs,” said Mr. Keisuke Sadamori, the IEA’s Director for Energy Markets and Security. “These events are so important, because they support building a community of well-trained energy efficiency practitioners that can implement real change in their own countries.”

Plenary talks and events throughout the week provided a chance for all participants to learn and problem-solve together. For example, an event featuring the technology start-up incubator, TechGrind, brought together start-ups and energy efficiency policy makers to inspire creative ways to stimulate energy efficiency through innovation.

Melanie Slade, the Senior Programme Manager for the IEA’s Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies Programme, emphasised that “the falling costs of digital technologies are an opportunity and a challenge for policymakers. They introduce new ways to save and track energy, while suggesting the need for some policies to evolve.”

The event in Thailand was one of three energy efficiency training weeks planned for this year, as part of the IEA’s international capacity-building activities. Through a dynamic and interactive agenda, the training weeks foster education and development of a professional community of energy efficiency experts around the globe.