Thailand's CK Power Company (CKP) signed an agreement with Bangkok Expressway and Metro PLC (BEM) to use solar power to provide electricity for Thailand's public transportation railway system, which is expected to reduce Bangkok's carbon emissions by 300,000 tons.
Currently, the agreement focuses on two of Bangkok’s pivotal MRT lines: the Blue Line (Chalerm Ratchamonkol Line) and the Purple Line (Chalong Ratchadham Line).
The two routes pass through 54 stations and cover a total distance of 71 kilometers. The Blue Line connects Bangkok's vital residential, commercial, and cultural areas while the purple line links the northern and western parts of the city.
Thanawat Trivisvavet, Managing Director of CKP, said: "This is the first large-scale use of solar energy to power Thailand's public transport system. We are proud to be pioneering new uses of solar energy in Thailand.’’
“Our partnership with BEM will increase the use of renewable energy. This is an important contribution to use. During the 25-year period of the agreement, we will provide a huge amount of electricity of 452 GWh, which is equivalent to about 12% of the total expected consumption of the blue and purple lines,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sombat Kitjalaksana, Managing Director of BEM said, "We are committed to supporting Thailand's transition to clean energy and helping to achieve the goal of net zero by 2065.”
“Under this arrangement, we can eliminate 300,000 tons of carbon emission during the project period. What makes this project special is that our arrangement with CKP will also help us reduce our electricity consumption costs,” he stated.
Under the agreement, six sites with a total area of over 106,000 square meters, including train stations, car parks and office building rooftops on the Blue and Purple Lines, will be used to capture solar energy.
The first commercial operation of the Blue Line and Purple Line is expected to be delivered in August 2024, with other stages of power expected to be commissioned by February 2025.
