On October 8, 2025, at Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel
The National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), in collaboration with Thailand’s Sub-Committee on Sustainable Energy Research (SCSER) under the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI), hosted the inaugural Hydrogen ASEAN Workshop in Thailand.
This landmark event was part of the CAS-ANSO International Conference on Microbial Power, with funding support from the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO). The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Sumittra Charojrochkul, Executive Director of ENTEC.
The workshop aimed to foster collaboration in technical areas, research, and the development of hydrogen technologies across ASEAN and its three key dialogue partners—Japan, China, and South Korea—recognized as Asia’s clean energy leaders. By facilitating knowledge exchange, the event sought to support the creation of a comprehensive Hydrogen Ecosystem that spans policy, research, and industrial applications. This represents a vital step toward accelerating the energy transition, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and increasing the share of clean energy in the region. Furthermore, the initiative serves as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, leveraging investment in advanced technologies, job creation, and cross-border knowledge transfer—all aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Dr. Sumittra highlighted the significance of the initiative:
“Hydrogen is no longer a distant energy of the future, it has become a key driver of the global transition to clean energy. For ASEAN, hydrogen presents a unique opportunity to diversify energy systems, reduce carbon emissions, and accelerate sustainable green growth.
However, this progress cannot happen in isolation. Collaboration, particularly with Japan, China, and South Korea, who possess deep expertise in this field, is essential.”
Dr. Sumittra also emphasized that the workshop was not merely an academic exchange, but a pivotal step toward shaping the Hydrogen ASEAN Framework—a foundation for collaborative development in technology, infrastructure, human capabilities, and regional policy. As the central coordinating body for clean energy R&D in the region, Thailand is well-positioned to lead ASEAN toward a more integrated and tangible hydrogen future.
“Together, we can turn vision into action—making hydrogen a core energy source that powers a cleaner, more secure, and sustainable future for ASEAN,” she concluded.
The workshop featured keynote sessions from renowned experts across ASEAN and its three key dialogue partners—Japan, China, and South Korea—including:
- “Hydrogen Supply and Demand Potential in ASEAN and East Asia”
Mr. Ryan Wiratama Bhaskara, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) - “Thailand’s Experience and R&D in Hydrogen Technology”
Dr. Sumitra Charojrochkul, Executive Director, ENTEC - “Hydrogen’s Role in Carbon Reduction and Thailand’s Hydrogen Projects”
Dr. Narun Suwanchotchoung, Hydrogen Thailand Association (H2TH) - “Hydrogen Development and Future Trends in China”
Mr. Rao Zhi, EDRI, China - “Hydrogen Policy and Japan’s JST-NEXUS Project”
Assoc. Prof. Miki Inada, Kyushu University, Japan - “Driving Hydrogen Economy and Carbon Reduction in the Transport Sector”
Prof. OckTaeck Lim, University of ULSAN, South Korea
A regional panel discussion titled “Regional Collaboration towards Low Carbon Hydrogen”, moderated by Dr. Kampanat Silva, researcher at ENTEC, enabled open dialogue among ASEAN, Japanese, Chinese, and South Korean delegates. The discussion focused on collaborative R&D strategies, technology transfer, and long-term partnership building.
The event concluded with a synthesis of key insights and recommendations presented by Dr. Visarn Lilavivat, ENTEC’s researcher, followed by closing remarks delivered by Dr. Lily Eurwilaichitr, Executive Assistant Director of ENTEC. These outcomes will form the basis of a “Joint Proposal” to be submitted to SCSER and COSTI, aiming to scale up ASEAN+3 hydrogen cooperation in the near future.
