On June 4, 2026, at Thailand Science Park, Pathum Thani
The National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), welcomed faculty members and students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), United States, led by Associate Professor Dr. Noah Kittner from the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering. The visit was conducted as part of the study abroad program, “Renewable Energy in Thailand.”
The program aims to provide students with direct exposure to Thailand’s renewable energy development through firsthand learning experiences on energy technologies, infrastructure, and policy implementation. Through visits to leading organizations and engagement with experts, the program seeks to enhance students’ understanding of renewable energy deployment, energy policy, and sustainability transitions in Southeast Asia.
On this occasion, Dr. Jiravan Mongkoltanatas, Leader of the Energy Storage Technology Research Team at ENTEC, welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of ENTEC’s mission, strategic directions, and role as Thailand’s national energy research and development center. She also presented the team’s research activities in energy storage systems and clean energy management technologies, which play a vital role in supporting Thailand’s energy transition, increasing the integration of renewable energy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The presentation also highlighted Thailand’s progress in renewable energy deployment and the current status of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) implementation nationwide.
Dr. Kittner and students from UNC-Chapel Hill actively engaged in discussions on Thailand’s energy technology landscape, the challenges associated with renewable energy integration, and the role of research and innovation in advancing energy security, low-carbon economic development, and long-term carbon neutrality goals.
The delegation also visited ENTEC’s Smart Grid Laboratory, where Mr. Perawut Chinnavornrungsee, Researcher, introduced the development and testing of smart grid technologies, energy management systems, and renewable energy integration into the power systems. The delegation was further introduced to ENTEC’s research on Agrivoltaic technologies, which combines solar photovoltaic systems with agricultural applications to enhance land-use efficiency and sustainable energy generation.
In addition, the delegation toured the Energy Storage Technology Research Laboratories, where Dr. Jiravan, Dr. Manop Masomtob, and Dr. Nattanai Kunanusont, researchers, presented ENTEC’s latest innovations in energy storage technologies, including battery materials development, battery pack design and engineering, battery recycling technologies, and second-life battery applications.
The visit reflects ENTEC’s commitment to serving as a national hub for energy technology research and development while fostering knowledge exchange, human resource development, and international academic collaboration. By providing opportunities for students and researchers from overseas to learn about Thailand’s energy technologies, research capabilities, and energy policy landscape, ENTEC continues to contribute to regional capacity building and support the transition toward a sustainable and low-carbon future.
