KKU Drives Isaan Toward Net Zero: Collaboration with Government, Private Sector, and Academia for Sustainable Economic Growth
Khon Kaen University (KKU) organized a forum on October 28, 2025, focusing on the challenges of achieving Net Zero emissions, a critical aspect of Thailand’s efforts to combat climate change. The forum gathered stakeholders from various areas, including the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), the Department of Agriculture, Wave BCG, the Khon Kaen Provincial Chamber of Commerce, and local industry leaders.
Transitioning to a Bio-Circular-Green Economy
As global warming and greenhouse gas emissions become increasingly pressing issues, Thailand aims to transition to a Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy, with a target to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. In this context, KKU’s Innovation and Engineering Service Centre (IENS) facilitated the forum to examine the strategic steps required for the region to lead in this endeavor.
Forum Agenda and Roadmap Development
The forum’s agenda involved pinpointing challenges and developing a comprehensive roadmap for low-carbon transformation. It highlighted the significance of Northeastern Thailand, particularly Khon Kaen, as a center for green industries.
Key Initiatives from EGAT
During the event, EGAT’s Director, Mr. Pongphan Kruaythong, outlined key initiatives, noting that the electricity and transport sectors contribute approximately 70% of Thailand’s greenhouse gas emissions. He presented a ‘3S Framework’ that includes Source Transformation, Sink & Co-creation, and Support mechanisms designed to lower emissions.
Implications for the Agricultural Sector
The implications for the agricultural sector were also discussed, with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives underscoring agriculture’s crucial role in the Isaan region. The ministry has launched several strategies to reduce emissions from agricultural practices, including implementing a “No Burning” policy.
Private Sector Perspectives on Decarbonisation
Private sector representatives, such as Ms. Panita Sutakhet from Wave BCG, discussed the need for Decarbonisation Roadmaps to facilitate businesses’ transition to low-carbon operations. Mr. Thirasak Suwantharn from the Khon Kaen Federation of Thai Industries highlighted the challenges small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face in adopting carbon-reduction measures, advocating for a gradual approach focused on enhanced efficiency before larger investments are made.
Investment Opportunities in Renewable Energy
The discussions also emphasized Khon Kaen’s potential to attract investments in renewable energy, positioning it to advance toward a green economy. KKU is anticipated to serve as a model for implementing Net Zero practices, aiming to achieve these goals by 2040, ahead of the national deadline.
Collaborative Effort for Sustainability
This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government, private sector, and academia, targeting environmental sustainability while promoting economic growth in the region.
(Source: Khon Kaen University)
