Thailand Energy Catalyst Project Workshop: Aquatera Contributes to Thailand’s Wave-powered Microgrid Initiative

The Aquatera team is continuing to progress work on the UKRI grant-funded Energy Catalyst round 10 pilot project, “Islanded Wave Powered Microgrid Pilot for Remote Islands in Thailand,” with a recent workshop in Bangkok marking the next step in ensuring a sustainable and place-based energy transition for the involved communities. 

The project will utilise wave energy converters (WECs) to provide clean, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to off-grid islands in Thailand. The project - comprising a consortium led by Toshiba Europe and Aquatera Ltd - brings together leading experts from across the globe to showcase the viability of wave energy in Southeast Asia. It will pave the way for wider adoption and development of sustainable business models that promote clean energy access and community participation.
 
Representatives from all partners contributed to the workshop held in June 2025 at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). The workshop convened experts and stakeholders from key organisations, including the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP). The presence of these stakeholders underscored the growing interest and collaborative momentum surrounding ocean energy innovation in the region. 



 

Ian Hutchison, Aquatera Director, opened the technical sessions with an introduction to the project and the broader marine energy landscape. Marianne Catanyag, Aquatera’s Southeast Asia Regional Manager and Expert Consultant, followed with a presentation on “Ocean Energy Global Status and its Development in Southeast Asia”. This talk highlighted regional energy market trends, ocean energy resource potential, and strategy for marine renewable energy development.
 
Aquatera also joined the project partners, including Toshiba, Eco Wave Power, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), the University of Manchester, and Leonics, in an open forum exploring how wave-powered microgrids could sustainably meet the energy needs of Thailand’s off-grid communities.

“Aquatera is proud to support Thailand’s efforts in exploring sustainable energy alternatives for island communities,” said Ian Hutchison. “This workshop reflects the strong multi-stakeholder commitment to making wave energy a viable and inclusive solution for Southeast Asia.”

 
Aquatera’s involvement in this initiative marks a further step in our mission to drive sustainable energy transitions across coastal and island communities throughout the region.