International collaboration between Thai and Japanese scientists is advancing renewable energy innovation through an unlikely source: duckweed. The partnership represents a significant step toward scaling clean biomethane production in Southeast Asia.
**Key Points**
- Japanese researchers from Hokkaido and Tohoku universities visited Khon Kaen University to review biomethane project progress
- The collaboration operates under the SATREPS program, jointly managed by Japan’s JST and JICA agencies
- The project aims to develop duckweed as a biological resource for clean energy production
- Research supports Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model initiative
How Are Thai and Japanese Scientists Advancing Biomethane Research Through Duckweed Innovation?
The Faculty of Engineering at Khon Kaen University recently hosted a high-level delegation of Japanese researchers on September 22, 2025. Consequently, this visit marked a crucial milestone in evaluating the collaborative biomethane research project that transforms duckweed into sustainable energy.
What Framework Supports This International Research Partnership?
The collaboration operates under the prestigious SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) program. This initiative receives oversight from both the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), ensuring robust institutional support.
Leadership Structure Brings Together Academic Excellence
Professor Masaaki Morikawa of Hokkaido University and Associate Professor Kengo Kubota of Tohoku University led the Japanese delegation. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Pairaya Choeisai from KKU’s Environmental Engineering Department heads the “Biomethane Production” component of this ambitious research initiative.
Why Does This Duckweed Research Matter for Thailand’s Economy?
The comprehensive project bears the title “Development of the Duckweed Holobiont Resources Values towards Thailand BCG Economy.” This research represents a joint effort between Thai and Japanese scientists to unlock the potential of aquatic plants as renewable energy sources.
*The implications extend far beyond laboratory walls.*
BCG Economic Model Integration
The primary objective centers on scaling biomethane production to support Thailand’s national Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic framework. Notably, this approach transforms agricultural waste into valuable clean energy, creating sustainable economic opportunities while addressing environmental challenges.
Research teams are developing methods to enhance duckweed’s value as a biological resource through advanced biomethane production technology. In contrast to traditional fossil fuels, this renewable approach offers carbon-neutral energy generation with minimal environmental impact.
What Progress Has Been Achieved Through This Collaboration?
The September visit specifically focused on monitoring and evaluating operational progress within the KKU-led project component. Japanese researchers conducted comprehensive assessments of current achievements and identified areas for optimization.
This evaluation process ensures that the biomethane research maintains alignment with both countries’ sustainability goals. Furthermore, the partnership leverages Japan’s advanced biotechnology expertise alongside Thailand’s abundant duckweed resources, according to recent findings from the Japan Science and Technology Agency.
Bottom Line
This Thai-Japanese collaboration demonstrates how international partnerships can accelerate renewable energy innovation through unconventional biological resources. The duckweed biomethane project positions Thailand as a regional leader in sustainable energy development while advancing the BCG economic model.
Moving forward, the research outcomes will likely influence policy decisions regarding renewable energy investments and agricultural waste management across Southeast Asia. The success of this initiative could establish a replicable framework for similar international collaborations in sustainable technology development.
