On 28 November 2024, a kick-off event for the new public-private partnership (PPP) “Green Hydrogen for Energy Self-Sufficient Hotels, Resorts and Islands” took place at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Thailand. Organized by GIZ Thailand and EGS-plan, this initiative was presented under the international H2Uppp program. The goal is to utilize green hydrogen, solar PV, and battery storage for off-grid hotels and resorts in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Approximately 30 participants, including representatives from public and private sectors, attended.
Currently, remote islands primarily rely on diesel generators or submarine cables for energy. However, the combination of solar energy, batteries, and green hydrogen provides a sustainable alternative to promote decarbonization and environmental friendliness.
H.E. Dr. Ernst Reichel, German Ambassador to Thailand, emphasized Thailand’s importance as a strategic partner in Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) and highlighted the country’s ambitions to transform its economy toward renewable energy. Dr. Dominika Kalinowska, Director of Transport Projects at GIZ Thailand, underscored the role of green hydrogen in achieving sustainability in Thailand’s tourism and transport sectors.
Tim Nees, H2Uppp Project Manager, explained the program’s vision: the aim is to build a market for green hydrogen and Power-to-X (PtX) through bilateral partnerships between public and private sectors. German and European companies are connected with local partners, focusing on hotels as key stakeholders for implementing new technologies.
Dr. Robert Himmler, Managing Director of EGS-plan in Bangkok, outlined the challenges associated with implementing green hydrogen in remote hotels and resorts. Key issues include feasibility, maintenance, repair logistics, and high investment costs, all of which need thorough investigation.
Following the presentations, discussion and networking sessions allowed participants to address questions and explore potential activities within the new partnership.
The H2Uppp program is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and implemented globally by GIZ. Supported by the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC), Thailand serves as the regional hub for Southeast Asia. H2Uppp promotes policy and market development for green hydrogen and PtX through studies, training, partnership initiatives, and knowledge dissemination. It connects local and international hydrogen experts, particularly from the German private sector.
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