The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE) and Center of Excellence on Energy Technology and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) in collaboration with its consortium partners and Kyoto University, jointly organized the 7th International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environment or “SEE 2018”, during 28-30 November 2018, at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok.
The “SEE” Conference is a biennial forum for sharing and exchanging knowledge and experiences on advances in science, technology and innovation to address energy and climate change related challenges. SEE 2018 continued to adhere to this over-arching theme. However in view of rapid advances in emerging technologies leading to changes in the way the world’s energy is produced and consumed, the 2018 edition of the conference focused on
“Technology & Innovation for Global Energy Revolution”. Also, in the light of Thailand’s new development strategy which identifies biofuel and biochemical as priority industries, a particular emphasis was given to research advances in those areas.
On energy revolution, the highlight was on three keynotes: “Facing up to Challenges of Energy Disruption” (delivered during the conference dinner) by Dr Piyasvasti Amranand, Chairman of PTT Global Chemical and former Minister of Energy, “The Need for Smart Grid Solutions for a Sustainable Energy Future and to Mitigate Climate Change” by Mr Juergen Bender, a well-known energy consultant in Thailand, and “Renewable Energy Technology: Current Status of Technology Penetration and its Challenge” by Dr. Shigeru Niki, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan. All three emphasized that the disruption is imminent, and that its technical, regulatory and policy challenges are immense.
On biofuels and biochemicals, attention was focused on the keynotes: “Transforming Thailand: The Shift to a Sustainable Bioeconomy” by Prof. Morakot Tanticharoen, former Director of the National Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Center and “Biomass Upgrading for High Quality Fuels and Value Added Products” by Prof. Kouichi Miura, Kyoto University, Japan, which set the tone for an overwhelming majority of related papers in this conference. One subject that attracted tremendous interest is the “Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant”, presented by Dr. Frederik de Bruyn of Belgium. It is a EU funded open access facility for R&D collaboration and pre-commercial test run.
Other major areas featured included: environmental and climate change science and technology, sustainability, and the broader issue of addressing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Highlights included the following keynotes: “Thailand’s Environment 4.0 to Meet 2030 UN SDGs and EEC Development” by Dr. Wijarn Simachaya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, “E-Waste Management Practices towards SDGs in SEA” by Dr. Mushtaq Memon, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and “Using Life Cycle Thinking to Promote Sustainability in Emerging Economy” by Prof. Shabbir Gheewala, JGSEE-KMUTT.
The 3-day event attracted over 200 participants from 15 countries, with over 100 papers presented. Special sessions showcasing JGSEE’s collaborative research programs with its partners were also held:
(1) Japan-Thai Science and Technology Resource Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS), (2) Efficient Biomass Conversion Technologies for Biofuel and Bioenergy Production, (3) Climate Change Technology and Innovation, and (4) Energy and Environmental Technology for Sustainable Urban Development Towards Net Zero Energy Building. The event coincided with the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of JGSEE. An exhibition was also staged to commemorate the occasion, retracing the development of JGSEE and its achievements over the past two decades.
