By ICUE and AIT Public Affairs
24 October 2024: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) successfully hosted the International Conference on Sustainable Energy (ICUE) 2024 from October 21 to 23, 2024, in Pattaya, Thailand. AIT has been organizing this biennial event for over a decade, establishing it as a key platform for discussing sustainability in energy. The 2024 edition of ICUE focused on the theme “Energy Transition and Net Zero Climate Future,” exploring how diverse energy solutions can contribute to a sustainable, net-zero climate future.
In his opening remarks, AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li emphasized AIT’s commitment to advancing education and innovative research in climate change, clean energy, and sustainable infrastructure. “As we come together for ICUE 2024, AIT is proud to uphold our mission of advancing education and innovative research in climate change, clean energy, and sustainable infrastructure. This conference brings together global experts, serving not only as a platform for discussion but also as a stage to inspire and shape the future of humanity. I encourage you to share knowledge, build new connections, and fully engage with the exciting program ahead.”
Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, Chair of ICUE 2024 and from the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (EECC), highlighted the importance of collaboration and stakeholder participation in the success of ICUE over the years. “Together, we have built a platform for sharing, learning, and tackling the profound sustainability challenges of our time. As we face the urgent realities of climate change, with ambitious goals like the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals before us, it is through collaboration that we make progress. Let us continue to lead this charge for a future powered by clean energy and innovative solutions.”
ICUE 2024 attracted around 180 delegates from nearly 30 countries, featuring 125 technical paper presentations and expert panel discussions on critical issues related to energy transition. The three-day event included keynote speeches, plenary panel discussions, a special plenary, breakout sessions, and a technical tour.
The conference opened with a keynote address by Dr. Priyantha Wijayatunga from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This was followed by a plenary panel discussion on “Energy Policies and Just Transition,” moderated by Dr. Nuwong Chollacoop from the National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), Thailand. The panel featured distinguished experts, including Prof. Ma Jinlong, APEC Sustainable Energy Center, Tianjin University, China; Dr. Tatsuya Hanaoka, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan and Dr. Brijesh Mainali, Linnaeus University, Sweden. The first day also featured a special plenary by the Chongqing Renewable Energy Society (CRES), China, on “Digitalization and Energy Transition Practices in China,” followed by eight technical breakout sessions.
Day two featured a keynote address by Prof. Joy Jacqueline Pereira from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III on Mitigation of Climate Change. The day’s plenary panel on “Transforming Energy Education for a Net-Zero Climate Future,” moderated by Prof. S. Kumar, Emeritus Professor at AIT, discussed the role of energy education in achieving net-zero goals. Panelists included Prof. Keigo Akimoto, Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE), Japan; Prof. Dr. Ho Chin Siong, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia; Prof. Deepak Sharma, Center for Global Challenges, Asian Institute of Technology, (AIT), Thailand; and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Erwin Franquet, Universite C ote d’Azur, France. Following the panel four technical breakout sessions were held, and delegates participated in a technical tour of the PTT Gas Separation Plant in Rayong province.
On the final day, the conference concluded with a plenary panel on “Enabling Net-Zero Transition through Regional Energy Integration,” moderated by ICUE 2024 Chair Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal. The panel featured H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Honorary Advisor, GMS Power PCL, Thailand; Prof. Tae Yong Jung, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea; Mr. Michael Williamson, United Nations ESCAP, Thailand and Prof. Navadol Laosiripojana, JGSEE-KMUTT, Thailand.
The conference wrapped up with seven technical breakout sessions and an awards ceremony for the Best Student Paper and Best Student Presentation. ICUE 2024 proved to be a critical platform for promoting sustainable energy practices, fostering education and collaboration, and supporting policy initiatives toward a net-zero future.
The ICUE 2024 event was supported by a range of distinguished sponsors across several categories. The Gold Sponsors included the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), and Thammasat Design School. The Technical Collaborators were the Chongqing Renewable Energy Society and Bangchak Corporation. Silver Sponsors included GMS Power Public Company Limited, Thai Pipe Industry Co., Ltd., and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority. CSI Bangkok participated as a Bronze Sponsor. Additionally, the IEEE, IEEE Power and Energy Society (IEEE PES), and IEEE Xplore Digital Library served as Technical Co-Sponsors.
