US agrees to boost energy cooperation

Strengthening the EV supply chain is a goal.

During subsequent conversations in Washington, DC, the US and Thailand decided to expand energy assistance.

The US Department of State’s Office of the Spokesperson released a combined press statement earlier this year regarding the third US-Tahie Energy Policy Dialogue, which will take place between April 18 and 20, to explore ways to strengthen power cooperation between the two nations.

Geoffrey Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Energy Resources ( ENR ), and Kulit Sombatsiri, Permanent Secretary for Energy of Thailand, participated in the discussion, and both nations agreed to create a mechanism to advance clean energy cooperation over the next year.

The ENR oversees the State Department’s efforts to create and carry out foreign energies policy through diplomatic and program engagement that fosters economic wealth through green, affordable, and dependable energy access as well as a future of low emissions for the US and its allies and partners.

In response to pressure from the global and local power markets, both nations talked about bolstering Thailand’s energy security, fostering free trade, and lowering barriers to the development and trade of clean energy, the statement said.

Both parties pledged to boost energy capacity, strengthen clean power supply chains for electric vehicles and their chargers, and take advantage of US Inflation Reduction Act opportunities for energy-related commitment and trade.

The delegations reviewed progress under the Japan-US-Mekong Power Partnership ( JUMPP ), which included the April 6 release of the JumpP Action Plan and the US Vice President Kamala Harris’ November 2022 announcement requesting up to US$ 20 million( 676.1 million baht ) in additional funding for Juppa from the U.S. Congress, as well as a path forward for accelerating renewable energy investment through the Clean Energy Demand Initiative.

JUMPP provided technical support for Thailand’s plan to increase cross-border energy trade, solar energy and power storage implementation, electric vehicle strategy, market transparency, and more through the ENR power sector program. Previous discussions on exploring programs under the Japan-US Clean Energy Partnership were already advanced by the two sides.

The 2022 US – Thailand Energy Policy Dialogue on carbon capture, utilisation, and storage ( CCUS ) cooperation in support of Thailand’s emissions reduction goals was also acknowledged by both nations.

On April 19, the ENR released its initial statement on US involvement with Thailand’s Department of Mineral Fuels over the previous 12 months regarding CCUS through the Commercial Law and Development Programme of the US Government of Commerce.