Panel Session 9
Hosted by
Somporn Sirisumrannukul
28 Nov 2025, 14:00 - 15:30 |
Spark Room 3
"DERs and the Path to Net Zero: Storage, EVs, and Flexible Demand"
Synopsis
Achieving Net Zero requires significant contributions from Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), including energy storage, electric vehicles (EVs), and flexible demand management. These DERs not only enhance the reliability and resilience of power systems but also increase the ability to integrate higher shares of renewable energy.
The primary role of energy storage is to balance supply and demand by storing surplus renewable generation and releasing it during peak demand periods. EVs, meanwhile, contribute to decarbonizing the transport sector and can also serve as mobile storage units, supporting the grid through Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies. Flexible demand plays an equally vital role by shifting electricity consumption patterns to better align with renewable generation, enabled by demand response programs, smart load control, and digital technologies such as smart meters.
The integration of these three DER components not only reduces the carbon footprint but also serves as a key enabler for building a flexible, reliable, and sustainable power system, paving the way for a truly clean energy future.
Daniel Eghbal
Manager Future Network Strategy, Energy Queensland
Panelist
Daniel Eghbal is the Manager Future Network Strategy at Energy Queensland. In his current role, Daniel leads a team that develops grid transformation strategies for Energex and Ergon Energy to support the evolving decentralised distribution networks with high penetration of DER and electrification of transport.
Daniel is also an Adjunct Associated Professor at The University of Queensland (UQ), and the chair of CIGRE C6.47 Working Group (DSO-customer interfaces for efficient system operation). Daniel is a Senior member of IEEE, Chair of IEEE QLD Power & Energy Society, and the recipient of 2022 IEEE Region 10 Outstanding Volunteer Award and 2022 IEEE PES Outstanding Power Engineer Award. Daniel is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), Registered Professional Engineering of Queensland (RPEQ) in Queensland.
Worapot Krathong
Electrical engineer level 9
MEA
Panelist
Worapot Krathong has been working as an electrical engineer at the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) for over 20 years, primary responsible for overseeing construction standards including overhead distribution, underground distribution, electrical system in public areas and EV installation standards. Currently, he is in the Power System Planning and Smart Grid Department, where the leading role is to plan the modernization of the grid to support the high penetration of renewable energy (RE), electric vehicles (EV), and including the pilot deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the metropolitan area.
Parinya Sonsaard
Deputy Manager, Smart Grid Division, PEA
Panelist
Parinya Sonsaard is a leading expert in electrical engineering and smart grid technology, currently serving as Deputy Manager of the Smart Grid Division at PEA. He holds a Ph.D. in Smart Grid Technology from Naresuan University, with research focused on demand response business solutions for Thailand's grid modernization. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Parinya has played a pivotal role in developing advanced energy systems, including AMI, EMS, DR, and BESS. He has received multiple honors and scholarships for his contributions to Thailand's energy sector and continues to drive innovation in smart grid planning and energy management.