Scheduled for 9–11 September at BITEC, the event comes as governments and utilities across ASEAN work to modernise grids, scale up renewables, manage volatile fuel costs, and maintain reliability, while also pursuing ambitious decarbonisation targets. In Thailand, ongoing debates around power mix planning, electricity tariffs, and the role of new technologies such as SMRs and energy storage reflect broader regional questions: how to transition realistically, and at pace.

Enlit Asia offers a platform for the industry to share lessons, exchange new ideas, and build partnerships to navigate an increasingly complex energy future.

Speaking at the event’s official launch in March, Simon Hoare, Portfolio Director at Clarion Events, emphasised the need for “pragmatic and inclusive approaches” to ASEAN’s energy transition. That tone is expected to carry through in September, when more than 12,000 professionals from utilities, regulators, technology providers, and energy users will gather in Bangkok.

Thailand’s energy landscape reflects many of the region’s underlying dynamics: rising demand, growing industrialisation, and the need to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels without compromising grid stability. While the government has set ambitious renewable targets under its National Energy Plan, concerns remain around topics such as storage, infrastructure readiness, and long-term investment.

These issues will be central to discussions at Enlit Asia, which returns with the backing of Thailand’s Ministry of Energy and all three national utilities, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) as official hosts. With the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) also confirmed as a supporting agency, the event is firmly positioned within the national energy agenda.

“Enlit Asia offers a valuable platform to align our efforts with ASEAN’s collective energy transition goals,” said Dr Sompop Pattanariyankool, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy. The Ministry will play an active role throughout the programme, particularly on sessions focused on policy alignment and regional cooperation.

The question of greater regional alignment is increasingly pressing. While cross-border trade and grid interconnection are key pillars of ASEAN energy cooperation (through initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid) progress remains uneven. Regulatory, technical, and financial challenges continue to delay projects from moving at pace. Enlit Asia provides space for practical, cross-country dialogue on how to unlock these bottlenecks.

Thailand’s role in this conversation is significant. As the country explores its potential as both a regional hub and power transit corridor, EGAT will share insights on efforts to enhance system flexibility. MEA and PEA will bring their perspectives on urban energy planning and rural electrification, respectively, both essential to achieving a just and inclusive transition.

Beyond the strategic discussion, a key attraction of Enlit Asia is its focus on implementation. The event’s on-floor Knowledge Hubs offer free, practical sessions covering grid digitalisation, EV infrastructure, AI in energy management, customer engagement, and more. Several forums will be delivered in Thai, supporting greater participation by local professionals and SMEs.

According to Pongsakorn Yuthagovit, Deputy Governor of PEA, the event is a chance to spotlight Thailand’s work on infrastructure upgrades and renewables. “Enlit Asia is a vital event for advancing discussions on transmission infrastructure, electrification projects, and renewable energy adoption,” he said.

Alongside the conference and Knowledge Hubs, over 350 exhibitors will present technologies spanning dual-fuel boilers, high-efficiency turbines, gas engines, carbon capture solutions, digital control systems, smart meters, battery storage, hydrogen technologies, and AI-based forecasting tools. Confirmed participants include Wärtsilä, Mitsubishi Power, Trilliant, JERA, and Black & Veatch, alongside regional suppliers and innovators.

As ASEAN power systems become increasingly interconnected, and as the demands on energy infrastructure continue to grow, Enlit Asia arrives at a critical time. For Thailand, hosting the event not only reaffirms its leadership in regional energy collaboration, it provides an opportunity to shape the agenda at a time when real action is needed.

Attendance is free for government agencies, utilities, IPPs, energy users, project developers, and academic institutions. Full programme details and registration are available at www.enlit-asia.com.

Source: Bangkokbiznews (https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/corporate-moves/news/corporate-moves/1190123)