Krabi, Thailand – The APEC Center for Technology Foresight (APEC CTF) and the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) organized a workshop on Technology Foresight Scenarios Towards Net-Zero Emission and Policy Impact Assessment with the theme: “Green Horizon: Towards a Hydrogen Economy,” from August 28-30, 2024. The workshop brought together representatives from seven APEC economies, including Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand. More than 40 experts gathered to exchange ideas, with a focus on using foresight tools to envision the adoption of APEC Hydrogen Economy Policies and to generate ideas for the future.

Day 1 – August 28: Dinner Talk

The workshop commenced with a dinner talk on “Strategic Foresight: Shaping the Future of Peru,” presented by Felipe Donato Valentín Rojas, a Foresight Specialist from CONCYTEC, Peru. His presentation underscored the significant role of foresight in Peru’s development initiatives, illustrating how strategic foresight can be a catalyst for national progress.

Day 2 – August 29: Opening and Foresight Workshop

The second day began with an opening session led by Dr. Kommate Jitvanichphaibool, Deputy Director of APEC CTF, alongside representatives from various economies. The workshop then transitioned to the application of foresight tools, including STEEP analysis and the Foresight Canvas, aimed at gathering expert insights on APEC hydrogen economy policies. Discussions focused on accelerating the adoption and integration of hydrogen across economies, with foresight tools highlighting both positive impacts and potential areas of concern, particularly in relation to social awareness and STI collaboration.

Day 3 – August 30: Panel Discussions and Future Directions

On the final day, the workshop hosted a panel discussion featuring esteemed experts from various APEC units and sectors. The panel included Professor Dr. Shu-Yii Wu, CEO of the APEC Research Center for Advanced Biohydrogen Technology (ACABT), and Dr. Thanan Marukatat, Research Fellow at the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC).

Joining them were representatives from research institutions, including Dr. Visarn Lilavivat of the National Energy Technology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, and academia, with Assoc. Prof. Wongkot Wongaphai, Deputy Director of the Multidisciplinary Research Institute (MDRI) at Chiang Mai University. The private sector was represented by Mr. Satthawut Suwanthitirat, Senior Business Development Executive at Bio Circular Green Business Development – BIG.

The panel provided a range of perspectives on achieving a hydrogen economy within APEC.

The event concluded with a session on “Future Directions” led by Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, Executive Director of APEC CTF and Senior Strategist of NXPO. Representatives from each economy—Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, and Chinese Taipei—shared their visions for STI collaborations across the region.

Site Visit: Participants also visited the Krabi EGAT power plant, where a green hydrogen project is under development. The visit provided valuable insights into the feasibility and future operations of this innovative energy solution.

More information on each part of this workshop will be continually updated on this page soon.

Srichattra Chaivongvilan – Correspondent