King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang Held a signing ceremony for the Smart Energy Management System Project (Smart Energy) project that has been obtained. Carbon Footprint and Learning Center System between the National Cooperative and the country’s leading service companies, including Onvalla Co., Ltd., a joint venture of Winner Energy and Centerpoint, and Solar A2 will continue to reduce carbon footprint in full and aim to reduce carbon footprint in a full range of ways. ‘Carbon Neutrality’ by 2050 under the vision of becoming ‘The World Master of Innovation’ in the future.
Associate Professor Dr. Komsan Maleesee, President of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), stated that the institute prioritizes policies that drive progress toward becoming a Sustainable Campus, serving as a model Green, Smart, and Digital University for both the public and private sectors. This approach aims to guide efficient and sustainable energy management (Sustainable University) and set a benchmark for the nation.
KMITL has set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2028, achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050, and reach Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2065, aligning with the country’s national targets. These efforts are underpinned by KMITL’s vision of becoming “The World Master of Innovation,” alongside its commitment to being a Sustainable Campus. This ultimate goal focuses on the holistic development of students, staff, and the campus environment, in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG17).
To achieve the goal of becoming a Green University, the institute must implement efficient energy management practices and promote the use of renewable energy. This includes initiatives such as installing solar rooftops to increase the proportion of renewable energy usage, particularly solar power, and adopting the KMITL EV Mini Shuttle Bus, an electric shuttle service, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Furthermore, an intelligent energy management system is essential, led by the Smart City Innovative Research Academy (SCIRA), to ensure efficient operations. This approach aligns with the concept of Smart Energy, enabling real-time monitoring and management of energy use, while also allowing for the reuse of surplus energy effectively.
Associate Professor Dr. Somsak Mitatha, Director of the Smart City Innovative Research Academy (SCIRA) at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), stated that this signing marks another significant step forward in the institute’s plan to reduce unnecessary energy costs and its carbon footprint.
This project involves the installation of a 10 MW solar cell system, capable of generating 13,000,000 kWh of electricity annually. The estimated reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from this initiative is approximately 3,000,000 kWh x 0.6933 kgCO2e/kWh = 9,012,900 kgCO2e per year, equivalent to around 9,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. This reduction is comparable to planting approximately 900,000 trees per year.
The Solar Rooftop is not just a Solar Cell; it functions as a Smart Device equipped with artificial intelligence. It transmits data, such as the amount of electricity generated, to the King Mongkut’s Digital Data Management Center (KDMC). This data is stored, analyzed, and utilized for energy management planning, paving the way for becoming a data-driven Digital University. Additionally, it integrates various data from information systems to support comprehensive and efficient energy management.
For KMITL’s Learning Center system, a solar power generation system with a capacity of no less than 20 kWp will be installed, along with a high-efficiency energy storage system using a battery with an energy capacity of no less than 60 kWh. Additionally, an energy management system (EMS) will be installed to serve as a learning hub. This system will operate as a Smart Grid capable of supporting technologies such as energy storage, data monitoring and analytics, and blockchain. It will simulate a net-zero emissions scenario by transitioning the primary energy source to solar power.
For KMITL’s Learning Center system, a solar power generation system with a capacity of no less than 20 kWp will be installed, along with a high-efficiency energy storage system using a battery with an energy capacity of no less than 60 kWh. Additionally, an energy management system (EMS) will be installed to serve as a learning hub. This system will operate as a Smart Grid capable of supporting technologies such as energy storage, data monitoring and analytics, and blockchain. It will simulate a net-zero emissions scenario by transitioning the primary energy source to solar power.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Chotchanok Attapong, Assistant to the President for Environment and Sustainability at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), stated that the institute has a clear policy to become a sustainable campus (Sustainable Campus). This is guided by five strategic goals: fostering student engagement, producing outstanding research and innovations, promoting community involvement, creating environmentally friendly infrastructure and surroundings, and establishing a sustainable management system. These five strategic goals closely align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are grouped into five categories: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships.
The Smart Energy Management System project directly addresses and supports all of these sustainable development goals.
The installation of solar rooftops can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 9,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year, which is comparable to planting 900,000 trees annually. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that the institute is focusing on, including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. These efforts aim to drive KMITL toward becoming a truly Sustainable Campus.
Leading service providers in the country who signed this agreement with KMITL include Onwala Co., Ltd., Winner Energy and Centerpoint Joint Venture, and Solar A2. The project is structured as a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the institute and EPC companies. Under this 20-year agreement, KMITL will benefit from reduced electricity costs as specified by the EPC. At the end of the contract, the institute will have the option to either take ownership of the solar cells or have them removed at no additional cost. This initiative will provide significant benefits for the country as a whole.
