Panel Session 10
Hosted by Jirawadee Polprasert
Assistant Dean for Continuing Study and Venture Builder and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
28 Nov 2025, 16:00 - 17:30 |
Spark Room 1
"Net-Zero by 2050: Redesigning Generation, Transmission and Distribution for the Energy Future"
Synopsis
Achieving global net-zero targets by 2050 requires a fundamental transformation of electricity transmission and distribution systems. The future grid must evolve to integrate large-scale renewable energy, accommodate distributed generation, and ensure resilience against climate-related risks. This session explores innovative strategies for modernizing transmission and distribution infrastructure, including digitalization, grid automation, energy storage integration, power generation, ancillary services and advanced power electronics. Key discussions will focus on policy frameworks, the role of older fossil fuel assets, investment models, and collaborative approaches that enable utilities, regulators, and technology providers to meet increasing demand while ensuring reliability, affordability, and sustainability. By reimagining the backbone of the energy system, we pave the way toward a carbon-neutral future.
Jirawadee Polprasert
Assistant Dean for Continuing Study and Venture Builder and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
Host Panelist
Jirawadee Polprasert, D.Eng., is the Assistant Dean for Continuing Study and Venture Builder and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand. She earned her Doctor of Engineering and Master of Engineering in Energy, specializing in Electric Power System Management, from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Pathumthani, Thailand, and her Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Her research interests include power system operation and control, applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in power systems, smart grid and microgrid technology, renewable energy, hydrogen, and energy storage systems. She has served as a Visiting Faculty member at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi and actively contributes to international collaborations. Dr. Polprasert has received several distinctions, including the IEEE PES Outstanding Young Engineer Award (2022), and has held leadership roles such as IEEE PES Day Country Representative for Thailand (2021-2025). She also serves as Associate Editor of the Naresuan University Engineering Journal (NUEJ) and the GMSARN International Journal, and is actively engaged in professional associations, including serving as committee member and secretary of the Women in Power (WIP) working group under IEEE PES Thailand and as committee member of the Thai Women Engineers Association (TWEA).
Jai Govind Singh
Head of Department of Energy and Climate Change (ECC), AIT
Panelist
Jai Govind Singh is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Energy and Climate Change at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand. He received his B.E. from MNNIT Allahabad (2001), M.Tech. from IIT Roorkee (2003), and Ph.D. from IIT Kanpur (2008), followed by postdoctoral research at KTH Stockholm and the University of Queensland. His expertise covers power system planning, operation and control, smart grids and microgrids, electric vehicles, battery storage, renewable integration, and deregulation. He has supervised over 90 graduate theses, published more than 160 articles, and led 26 international research projects worth over US$3 million. Prof. Singh has organized international conferences and training programs, including the WePOWER SAR100 series, delivered numerous invited talks, and is a Senior Member of IEEE PES and Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India).
Purna Kharel
President and CEO, K&A Engineering Consulting
Panelist
Purna Kharel is the Founder and CEO of K&A Engineering Consulting, one of the fastest-growing engineering firms in the U.S. Since founding the company in 2016, he has scaled it from a one-person operation to a global team of 400+ with projected revenues exceeding $100 million by 2026. With over 20 years of experience in power systems engineering and leadership, Purna has overseen utility-scale energy projects and smart grid programs totaling over $1 billion in capital value. A licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and PMP, he holds a master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Wichita State University. Originally from Nepal, Purna is committed to bridging North American expertise with global talent to drive clean energy and infrastructure development worldwide.
Arjan Van den Broek
Executive Vice President and Project Director Map Ta Phut Decarbonisation
Panelist
Arjan van den Broek brings over 20 years of leadership in energy operations and asset management. He holds a Master of Science in Management from Nyenrode University and a Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering - Technical Computer Science. He has held senior executive roles across leading power companies, including GHECO-One and Glow Energy, and completed executive programs with CEDEP and the Thai Institute of Directors (DCP 338/2023). Mr. Arjan is known for driving operational excellence and advancing carbon reduction initiatives across large-scale energy infrastructures in ASEAN. He is currently pursuing a DBA at Sasin School of Management.