Khon Kaen University (KKU) has teamed up with Infineon Technologies (Thailand) Ltd. to host a groundbreaking seminar on “Sodium-Ion Battery Technology and Innovation: The Future of Energy Storage,” held on August 6, 2024. The event, which took place at KKU’s Faculty of Engineering, attracted industry experts, academics, and innovators eager to explore the latest advancements in energy storage solutions.
The seminar was a collaborative effort between KKU’s Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering, and the Battery and New Energy Science and Technology Factory, highlighting KKU’s commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation. The event was inaugurated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, President of KKU, with key contributions from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ratchapol Santiwarakorn, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Angkana Boonyued, Dean of the Faculty of Science. Mr. Siong Tuay Kwa, Senior Manager at Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific, delivered a compelling keynote address, alongside insights from Assoc. Prof. Nongluck Meethong, Director of KKU’s Battery and New Energy Science and Technology Factory.
A diverse group of 51 participants, including representatives from educational institutions and leading engineering companies, engaged in this two-day seminar that promised to reshape the future of energy storage.
At the heart of the seminar was the exploration of sodium-ion batteries, an emerging technology poised to revolutionize energy storage. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ratchapol Santiwarakorn emphasized the strategic partnership with Infineon Technologies, stating, “Our collaboration with Infineon, a global leader in semiconductors and Battery Management Systems (BMS), is pivotal in advancing high-precision battery management and efficiency. This seminar marks the beginning of a new era in battery technology, with KKU and Infineon leading the charge.”
The first day of the seminar featured in-depth presentations by KKU faculty members, followed by a session led by Infineon Technologies. The second day offered hands-on workshops, allowing participants to experiment with Infineon’s state-of-the-art BMS technology, demonstrating the practical applications of these innovations.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul highlighted the advantages of sodium-ion batteries, noting their potential to transform Thailand’s energy landscape. “Sodium-ion batteries offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries, especially given Thailand’s abundant sodium reserves. This technology not only reduces dependency on imported raw materials but also enhances safety and recyclability, making it a cornerstone of future clean energy development.”
He added, “KKU’s research teams, under the UVOLT brand, are at the forefront of developing both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries to international standards. With the growing demand for batteries in Thailand, this seminar serves as a catalyst for building a robust battery industry ecosystem. It is essential for all sectors to support this New S-Curve industry, which will drive Thailand’s economic growth and ensure its competitiveness in the global market.”
This seminar is more than just a meeting of minds; it is the start of a collaborative journey toward innovation and excellence in energy storage technology. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, KKU is paving the way for a new generation of engineers and scientists equipped to lead Thailand into a sustainable, energy-secure future.
