EleCity Conference Co-organized by JGSEE and the University of Stuttgart

On 13th November 2017, the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE-CEE) in collaborate with the Institute of Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use (IER), University of Stuttgart, Germany organised the EleCity Conference on “The Electrified City – Sustainable Cities in the context of Energy Transition” in Bangkok. The event aimed at addressing, the various challenges and potentials for a sustainable energy future in the context of cities and their development. Presentations on energy generation and distribution, urban planning, industry and transportation were delivered by German and Thai experts as briefly reported below.

In the morning 2 sessions were held. The first one focused on “Energy System Perspective” and included a couple of talk. The first presentation was delivered by Dr Ulrich Fahl (IER, University of Stuttgart) on the topic “Integrated Transition Pathways for Energy Systems”. The second talk by Mr Christian Schneider (Smart Grids-Plattform Baden Wurttemberg e.V.) was on “Smart Grid and the Internet of Things”. Following some discussions, a second session was held on “Urban Development”, which included 3 talks. The first presentation by Dr Sigrid Busch (Department of Urban Planning and Design, University of Stuttgart) was on “Activating Resources – Sustainable Development through Integrated Urban Governance”. The next presentation by Prof Dirk A. Schwede (ILEK, University of Stuttgart) was on “Potential and Challenges of the electrification and the Integrated Electricity Generation in Buildings and Neighbourhoods”. The session ended with a presentation by Dr Robert Himmler (JGSEE) on “A Sustainable Single Family House in Thailand” relating to The Pruksa+ Project in Bangkok he has been involved in as a coordinator.

In the afternoon of the event, 2 sessions were held, the first focusing on “Renewables and the Industry” and the second on “Transport and Air Pollution Control”. During the first session, 3 talks were delivered. The first presentation by Dr Ludger Eltrop (IER, University of Stuttgart) focused on “Renewable Energy for the Electrified Cities of the future” as per the theme of the event. The second presentation by Dr Athikom Bangviwat (JGSEE) was policy oriented and focused on “Use of Renewable Energies in Thailand – Status quo and Challenges”. The last presentation by Dr Bernd Franke (ifeu) was on “Potentials for Electrification and Energy Efficiency in Industry and Commerce”. In the last session of the afternoon, 3 main presentations were delivered. This included a presentation by Tanja Schafer (PTV group) on “Potentials and Challenges for the Electrification of Urban Transport”. The next presentation by Dr Yossapong Laoonual (EVAT and KMUTT) was on “Electric Vehicle Technology in Thailand – Status Quo and Challenges”. The last presentation by Mr Rashane Sala-Ngarm (GIZ) was on “Integrated Resource Management in Asian Cities: The Urban Nexus”. The event ended with a wrap-up session moderated by the Director of JGSEE, Dr Sirintornthep Towprayoon.

The event was very successful and provided a useful platform for German and Thai expert to interact and network. Over 50 participants joined the conference mostly from academic institutes and government agencies.