Associate Professor Dr Nonglak Meethong

DIRECTOR, BATTERY AND NEW ENERGY FACTORY; LEADING ENERGY STORAGE EXPERT

Industry : Science

Associate Professor Dr Nonglak Meethong is a distinguished physicist and a leading authority in energy storage technologies, currently serving as the Director of the Battery and New Energy Factory at Khon Kaen University (KKU) in Thailand. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Ceramic Engineering from Alfred University, USA followed by a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Since joining KKU, Dr Meethong has been at the forefront of research in battery materials, particularly focusing on lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

Under her leadership, the Battery and New Energy Factory has developed the UVOLT brand, producing certified lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries for various applications including electric vehicles, medical devices and renewable energy storage systems. Notably, her team achieved a significant milestone by producing sodium-ion batteries from rock salt, making it the first such development in ASEAN. This innovation not only offers a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries but also leverages Thailand’s abundant natural resources.

Dr Meethong has spearheaded several strategic collaborations including partnerships with Infineon Technologies and Banpu NEXT to advance battery energy storage systems. Her work aligns with Thailand’s national goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2065 and transitioning to a sustainable energy future. She continues to drive innovation in clean energy solutions, positioning KKU as a key player in the global energy transition.