Bangkok: The National Science, Technology, Innovation Fund is spearheading an initiative to mobilize researchers and organizations to address the pressing issues of the energy crisis and PM2.5 pollution.
According to Thai News Agency, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) is actively engaging researchers and agencies within its system to present research and innovation projects that are ready for implementation. These projects will be submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister for policy incorporation to benefit the public.
NSTDA is playing a pivotal role as a system integrator, bridging the gap between research and practical application, and expediting policy development to address these crises while mitigating their social and economic impacts. The agency's Science, Research and Innovation Fund is compiling urgent research and innovation projects to tackle the "energy crisis and PM2.5 dust problem."
The Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) is leading this effort within the RandI system, connecting knowledge, technology, and proposals from various sectors in both energy and PM2.5 management. It has mobilized researchers and experts to develop a set of policy proposals and ready-to-use research and innovation outputs for submission to the Deputy Prime Minister and the government to aid national policy decision-making.
In the energy sector, proposals include measures to reduce energy consumption, promote clean energy, and enhance the efficiency of existing energy systems. These include using AI and IoT for energy management, transitioning to electrification in vehicles and equipment, and expanding alternative energy use, particularly solar and bioenergy, which can have tangible economic and carbon reduction impacts.
Proposals also aim to improve the efficiency of the current energy system by using blended biofuels in agriculture and transportation and developing technologies to increase energy production and consumption efficiency for long-term energy security.
To combat the PM2.5 issue, NSTDA has compiled projects ready for immediate scaling up, focusing on health impact prevention, spatial management, and information systems for decision-making. Initiatives include dust-free rooms, dust-proof mosquito nets, and the "Lung Rest" platform, alongside data systems for managing wildfires and agricultural burning. AI-powered chest X-ray technology is set to enhance lung disease screening in over 450 hospitals, reducing public health impacts.
Meeting participants acknowledged the crisis as a 'structural challenge' necessitating the integration of technology, economic measures, social sciences, and policy mechanisms, along with collaboration among various ministries and stakeholders.
The meeting tasked NSTDA and other RandD system agencies with urgently developing policy proposals based on existing RandD achievements, focusing on "immediately implementable measures" and proposing a data operations center for addressing national crises. This center will integrate information and support future government decision-making.
NSTDA's initiative underscores its role in driving the practical use of research and innovation, making the RandD system a "key national tool" for crisis management, confidence-building, and sustainably improving the quality of life for the populace.