The New Generation Battery and Energy Factory (kkUVolts), led by Associate Professor Nonglak Meethong, Ph.D., Director of the Factory and faculty member of the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, and an alumna of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), participated in the international academic conference titled “Powering Southeast Asia through 2050: Building a Sustainable and Energy-Resilient ASEAN.”
The conference was organised by the MIT Management ASEAN Office and attracted over 400 participants from across Southeast Asia. Attendees included senior executives, policymakers, investors, and experts in energy, climate, and sustainability from government agencies, industry, academia, and non-profit organisations.
During the conference, Associate Professor Nonglak Meethong was invited to join a panel discussion on the topic, “Game Changers for Energy Transition and Resilience.” The session facilitated an in-depth exchange of perspectives on designing ASEAN’s future energy systems, taking into account climate change impacts, grid volatility, and the imperative of long-term energy security. Dr. Nonglak emphasised that ASEAN’s energy transition cannot rely solely on a single technology. Instead, it requires designing comprehensive “energy systems” tailored to the local context of each area. Crucially, the role of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) must be recognised not just as supporting technology, but as essential Energy Infrastructure that stabilises clean energy sources and enhances the long-term resilience of power systems.
kkUVolts was also honoured to participate in the MIT Alumni Showcase, where it presented concepts, technologies, and practical applications of batteries and new-generation energy systems that bridge research findings with industrial implementation. This presentation gave attendees from diverse sectors the opportunity to visit the exhibit, exchange ideas, and discuss avenues for collaboration to scale up clean energy projects across the region.
Participation in the MIT ASEAN Conference underscores KKUVolts’ growing role as a regional hub of knowledge and innovation in energy storage and clean energy systems, connecting research excellence, human resource development, and real-world deployment. Through its work, the factory actively contributes to ASEAN’s shared goals of energy sustainability, system security, and resilience against future uncertainties.
