The Workshop on Agri-Photovoltaic (Agri-PV) Technology Status and Business Opportunities took place on 24 April 2024 at the Century Park Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. Hosted by the Hub of Talents to Support Net Zero GHG Emissions in collaboration with its partners, the workshop aimed to familiarize the Thai audience with agri-photovoltaic technology and facilitate research and commercial partnerships between Thai institutions/enterprises and Forschungszentrum Jülich of Germany. Co-organizers included JGSEE, KMUTT, Jülich the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP).
Following the welcome and opening remarks by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suvit Tia, President of KMUTT, and Dr. Thorsten Clausing, Science and Technology Counselor from the German Embassy in Bangkok, a series of presentations were delivered by Thai and German experts, offering insights into Thailand’s green policy, development of photovoltaic and solar technology in Thailand and Asia, and Agri-PV systems developed by Jülich.
Dr. Watcharin Boonyarit, Director of Division of Solar Energy Development at the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, discussed Thailand’s national policy for green future, covering aspects such as the forthcoming National Energy Plan aimed at steering the country towards carbon neutrality and net zero emissions. He also discussed renewable energy status, solar energy policies, and agrivoltaics implementation in Thailand.
Dr. Krissanapong Kirtikara, KMUTT Advisor, provided an overview of the research landscape in photovoltaics, solar technology, and AgriPV in Thailand and Asia, emphasizing scientific publications data. He also elaborated on two photovoltaic projects in Thailand: photovoltaic water pumping serving agriculture and community development, and AgriPV projects implemented by NSTDA at Sri Sang Dham Forest Temple and Thailand Science Park.
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schurr from the Institute for Plant Sciences IBG-2, Jülich, introduced Agri-PV principles and its application in supporting BioeconomyREVIER, an initiative to transform the Rhenish lignite mining area in Germany into a circular, sustainable bioeconomy model region. Subsequently, Dr. Matthias Meier, Dr. Onno Muller, and Ms. Chantal Kierdorf elaborated on Jülich’s Agri-PV technology, including system designs, plant growth under Agri-PV, and business perspectives.
The event also featured a mini exhibition on Agri-PV, offering participants an opportunity to engage with the Jülich research team.
Click here to download presentations.