Unprecedented Green Shift: Thailand’s Ministry to Mandate Solar Technology in 1,855 Agencies! Brace for Substantial Emission Cuts and a Whopping 904.35 Million Baht in Savings!

The esteemed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, recently revealed that an impressive tally of 1,855 agencies under the ministry’s Office of the Permanent Secretary have been mandated to adopt solar technology before the current year sees its end. From Provincial Public Health Offices to community hospitals, a diverse range of agencies are incorporated in this directive, according to Dr. Opas.

This progressive move is a part of the ministry’s forward-thinking Smart Energy and Climate Action (SECA) policy. Rooted in an unflinching commitment to sustainability, the policy aims to exponentially enhance energy efficiency, concurrently working towards significantly curbing carbon dioxide emissions, a major contributor to global warming.

Dr. Opas further shed light on the tangible benefits of this initiative, anticipating annual electricity savings amounting to a whopping 904.35 million baht, alongside a reduction of 99,458 tonnes in carbon dioxide release each year.

Adding another feather to their cap, Dr. Opas reported that “Some 1,261 agencies across all 75 provinces are already in the process of transitioning to solar energy.” Moreover, as many as 508 agencies have already transitioned successfully, contributing to electricity production at a notable capacity of 47,053 kilowatts. This has led to substantial monetary savings valued at 243.46 million baht per year, and has slashed 26,775 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

With an ambitious vision for the upcoming year, Dr. Opas enumerated a string of strategic plans:

All agencies are required to switch over to solar power, targeting a yearly reduction of 124,093 tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions.
Agencies are entrusted with the task of switching out current equipment for more energy-efficient alternatives, aiming for a 20% decrease in energy consumption.
The adoption of electric vehicles and associated charging stations are proposed for all agencies within a 10-year timeframe, reinforcing the ministry’s dedication to green mobility.
A reshaping of buildings to gear towards energy saving and eco-friendly design is encouraged.
An increase in green spaces by 25% of free space is set as a target.
Redefining the healthcare landscape, agencies are instructed to undertake patient care for individuals suffering from respiratory and chronic non-communicable diseases, and mental disorders through the use of telemedicine. This shift in approach could result in a 10% decrease or 1.6 million visits per year in outpatient appointments at regional and general hospitals.
A strong adherence to the 3R principles (reduce, reuse and recycle) to augment efficiency in wastewater treatment, and aim for a 30% reduction in solid waste is envisioned.

Attesting to the ministry’s unyielding commitment to the SECA policy, Dr. Opas unveiled plans to continue advancing its vision through the establishment of committees and dedicated working teams for progress monitoring. Kicking things up a notch, agencies with commendable performance would be picked as role models, inspiring others to follow suit.