On April 19, 2023, the SEAS-based Environmental and Energy Management Institute (EEMI) hosted an official "US-Thailand Energy Policy Dialogue" meeting by the U.S. Department of State and the Government of Thailand. The meeting was held in the University’s Science and Engineering Hall.
Attending the meeting for GW were EEMI Director Dr. Jonathan Deason and EEMI Director of Climate Change Dr. Rachael Jonassen. Dr. Jonassen made a presentation entitled "Energy vs Climate, Climate vs Energy” that was based on her personal experiences with projects in Thailand. In her presentation, Prof. Jonassen covered two examples from Thailand. The first example illustrated the challenges of decarbonizing transport construction, with a focus on concrete and steel. The second related evidence of the potential large storm surge challenges facing energy infrastructure located on coastlines around the Gulf of Thailand.
Topics discussed at the meeting included the future of electric vehicles, solar technology and its supply chains, grid modernization, and next-generation energy innovation technologies. These topics align with the national energy policy of both countries, and will support mutual efforts to address climate change.
The event was designed to strengthen the energy partnership between the United States and Thailand in key areas such as energy security, power development, energy transition, clean energy technologies, and energy efficiency. The two nations noted their support for constructive engagement between U.S. and Thai parties, including the public sector as well as private companies in the energy sector.
Two of the senior Thai government officials were SEAS graduates. They were Dr. Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, Executive Director, International Affairs Division, Ministry of Energy, and Dr. Prasert Sinsukprasert, Director-General, Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency.