USTDA Supports Electric Vehicle Transition in Thailand

(USTDA) Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has awarded a grant to SCG International Corporation Co., Ltd. (SCG International), a wholly owned subsidiary of leading Thai conglomerate SCG, to advance the company’s ambitious decarbonization strategy. USTDA’s assistance will provide a roadmap to guide the electrification of vehicle fleets and deployment of EV charging infrastructure across Thailand. SCG International has selected Kansas-based Black & Veatch Management Consulting to carry out the technical assistance.

“USTDA’s partnership with SCG International will catalyze private sector investment to support Thailand’s green economic transition and bring substantial benefits, including improved air quality,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Acting Director. “Through our assistance we are also expanding opportunities for U.S. companies to partner with Thailand as it seeks high-quality electric vehicle solutions in support of its climate priorities.”

The USTDA study will deliver detailed analysis and plans to accelerate EV adoption and the installation of charging stations and integrated renewable energy infrastructure at hundreds of sites for SCG’s Cement and Building Materials Business in Thailand. The assistance will also design pilot projects at three identified sites for SCG International to test the viability of electrifying the company’s substantial fleet of logistics and commuter vehicles and ready-mix concrete trucks.

“This project with SCG International, which pairs American innovation with Thai ambition, is exactly the kind of joint effort that we need at this critical point in our race to address the climate crisis,” said Michael Health, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. “At the same time, this project demonstrates how our joint efforts to address common challenges can create opportunities for both Thai and American companies.”

Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Witchu Vejjajiva, said: “Thailand and the United States share a common vision in forging green economy and sustainable development, particularly through the application of new technologies and innovation. This partnership between USTDA and SCG International revolving around the development of EVs and its ecosystem in Thailand has strengthened our effort to promote clean energy and green growth. It is our hope that it will serve as a catalyst for further cooperation between USTDA and the Thai private sector to advance sustainable economic development in Thailand and the wider Mekong subregion.”

Managing Director of SCG International, Abhijit Datta, added: “SCG International is fully committed to advancing SCG Group’s decarbonization objectives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero transition by 2050. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to USTDA as well as Black & Veatch for their support, guidance and efforts that have made this project possible. We look forward to our strong future collaboration.”

This project advances the goals of USTDA’s Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure, which connects U.S. industry to major clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects in emerging markets.