Highlights from NSTDA x Press Interviews – ENTEC: Research and Innovation Powering Thailand’s Sustainable Energy Future
What lies ahead for Thailand’s energy landscape in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world? The National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), invited the media for a roundtable discussion to explore this question at the NSTDA x Press Interviews event.
Dr. Sumittra Charojrochkul, Executive Director of ENTEC, led the session, outlining ENTEC’s vision as it approaches its 5th anniversary. The discussion centered on the Center’s key achievements, ongoing research, and the pressing question: Is Thailand’s research and innovation ecosystem ready to meet the demands of a sustainable energy future?
ENTEC: A Driving Force Behind Thailand’s National Energy Plan
ENTEC is committed to being a crucial “gear” in connecting scientific research with the country’s energy strategies. By fostering domestic and international collaborations and translating innovation into practical industrial and commercial applications, ENTEC aims to enable Thailand’s energy self-reliance and environmental sustainability.Its vision is to become the country’s leading center for energy technology development.
Four Core Technology Focus Areas:
Dr. Sumittra presented ENTEC’s emerging innovations that could redefine Thailand’s energy sector. These are grouped into four strategic areas:
1. Clean Fuels and Hydrogen Integration: Building the Energy of the Future Today
With over 20 years of experience in clean fuel research, ENTEC is advancing hydrogen energy from biogas and ethanol toward green hydrogen, applicable for both FCEVs and power plants.
- H-FAME
A next-gen biodiesel that can be used in higher blends or as a standalone fuel. It has undergone extensive real-world testing and supports Euro 5 standards, with plans for Euro 6. - SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)
ENTEC plays a vital role in promoting SAF adoption within Thailand’s aviation sector. - SMRs (Small Modular Reactors)
ENTEC is exploring the potential of SMRs—compact nuclear reactors with advanced safety features—as a long-term clean energy solution, which requires at least a decade of preparation and public engagement.
2. Green Oleochemicals: Adding Value to Thai Palm Oil
ENTEC is transforming palm oil into high-value products, moving beyond food and fuel applications:
- EnPAT (Bio-transformer oil)
A fire-resistant, safer alternative to conventional oils that can be repurposed into biodiesel at end-of-life. EnPAT has already been implemented and is currently utilized in real-world applications across Thailand. - A range of bio-based products
These include bio-lubricants, rail-grade bio grease, and Eco-Pest, a bio-insecticide that is safe for farmers and consumers.
3. End-to-End Battery Innovation for the EV and Renewable Energy Era
ENTEC conducts comprehensive R&D across the entire battery life cycle—from materials and design to manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life management.
- SWAP2GETHER
A standardized battery-swapping system for electric motorcycles, enhancing EV convenience, lowering costs, and promoting domestic manufacturing through a dedicated consortium.
4. Smart Solar Technologies for a Brighter Future
ENTEC is optimizing solar energy technologies, from material design to panel recycling:
- SEESOLAR
Smart solar panels for farmers that not only generate electricity but also filter light to suit crops and reduce greenhouse heat. - Solar Sure
A platform for grading and managing used solar panels, creating new markets and ensuring proper recycling. It is being reviewed for standardization by Thailand’s TISI.
Tangible Impact: Nearly THB 25 Billion in Value over 5 Years
ENTEC’s work goes far beyond laboratory walls. Between FY2021 and FY2024, it generated over THB 24.7 billion in economic and social value, thanks to collaborations with more than 190 partners, both domestic and international. The Center has published over 100 papers in international journals and trained thousands of energy professionals.
The Road Ahead: Sustainability and Net Zero
Looking forward, ENTEC remains committed to developing comprehensive energy innovations. Its future focus includes battery and solar panel lifecycle management and scaling green oleochemical products to support Thailand’s Net Zero goal while strengthening the country’s industrial competitiveness.
