The Green Cooling Initiative (GCI) III has successfully advanced Thailand’s shift toward sustainable cooling technologies, marking a significant milestone in the country’s environmental efforts. As GCI III's actitivities in Thailand end, its impact continues to shape the future of green cooling, supporting Thailand's path to a sustainable future.
In a significant step forward for Thailand’s refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) sector, the successful outcomes of the Green Cooling Initiative (GCI) III (opens in a new window) and the Cooling Innovation Fund (CIF) were celebrated during a ceremony in Bangkok. The event was attended by representatives from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the German Embassy and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) among others.
Key speeches highlight progress toward Sustainable Cooling Solutions
The ceremony was enriched by notable speeches from Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Economic Affairs at the German Embassy in Bangkok and Eakarat Samintarapanya, EGAT Assistant Governor – Power Plant Planning and President of CIF Management Committee. In his remarks, Hans-Ulrich Südbeck emphasized the importance of the international collaboration that has made the successful outcomes possible. As a very energy-intensive sector, the global cooling industry is responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions. Through initiatives like GCI III, the focus has been on transitioning toward green cooling technologies, using environmentally friendly refrigerants in combination with energy-efficient systems. This effort is especially crucial in regions like Thailand, where the demand for air conditioning is soaring due to rapid urbanization and rising temperatures.
GCI III and EGAT’s Efforts for Thailand’s Green Cooling Future
Over the past three years, GCI III and EGAT and have worked together to expand the reach of CIF, which was established to accelerate Thailand's green cooling transition. Key activities under the fund have included improving laboratory facilities for testing and certifying energy-efficient refrigerators, promoting the use of natural refrigerants, and providing training for technicians in the safe handling of these refrigerants.
Although the GCI III project is nearing its end, the achievements made over the past three years will continue to influence the direction of Thailand’s cooling industry. The project has laid a strong foundation for sustainable practices that will endure, ensuring that the shift toward energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling technologies remains a priority in the coming years. With ongoing support from government agencies, the private sector, and international partners, Thailand is poised to maintain its leadership in green cooling solutions, continuing its efforts to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency for a more sustainable future.
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About Green Cooling Initiative III
The Green Cooling Initiative III (opens in a new window)(GCI III) is a global project commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The objective of GCI III is to promote the “green cooling approach” which fosters the use of natural refrigerants and an increase in energy efficiency. With that, negative climate impacts from the cooling sector can be avoided and reduced. GCI III supports its seven partner countries, including Vietnam, in shifting to green cooling technologies through policy advise, technology transfer, and capacity building.