Today’s news-July 16

[gtranslate]

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Sustainability: Thailand’s Green Star Restaurant Chefs/Port Authority launches green plan/Energy: EGAT to develop low-cost floating solar panels//Solar Power at Koh Sichang Hospital/Water: New dam in Laos could lead to ‘economic losses’/Recycling: Jet Fuel From Grass/Electric vehicles: Long road ahead for EV industry/Zeekr to launch EV range/How China took over the Southeast Asia EV market/Wildlife: Who owns Thap Lan National Park?

Sustainability Tips from Thailand’s Green Star Restaurant Chefs

You can travel to plenty of top-notch restaurants for gastronomic pleasure. However, only a handful shine in terms of sustainability. In a world where everyone feels the heat of the climate crisis, we invite you to become a green hero.

These chefs from MICHELIN Green Star restaurants in Thailand will inspire you with their sustainability practices and share tips on how to make your everyday life greener. Continued … 

Port Authority launches green, tech-driven development plan

The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) recently revealed a new development strategy aimed at enhancing sustainability and the well-being of the community through the adoption of advanced technology and green energy.

Kriengkrai Chaisiriwongsuk, PAT’s director general, said the ultimate goal is to transform the agency into a leader in sustainable management. The initiative includes promoting a dust-reduction action plan, transitioning to electric power and accelerating the development of services leveraging modern technology. Continued … 

58.5MW Floating PV Plant 

EGAT partners with allies to develop low-cost, eco-friendly floating solar panels

Yesterday, Thidade Eiamsai, deputy governo –power plant development and renewable energy of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Prof. Nitin Tripathi, acting vice president for academic affairs, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), and Prof. Kenneth Reardon, associate dean for research of Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, Colorado State University; signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to study the potential of low-cost, easy-to-recycle, edge-sealed modules (ESMs) in the areas of EGAT and AIT.

Thidade Eiamsai, Deputy Governor – Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy of EGAT, stated that EGAT has accelerated the development of hydro-floating solar hybrid projects to increase the share of clean energy in the generation mix, aiming to achieve Thailand’s carbon neutrality. Continued … 

Thaioil Expands Solar Power at Koh Sichang Hospital

Thaioil has continued with a solar cell power-generation system installation (Phase 2), providing a capacity of 52.70 kilowatts for Koh Si Chang Hospital, Koh Sichang District, Chon Buri province.

This aims to reduce electricity burdens and build up power stability, supporting the hospital’s medical services expansion and enhancing residents’ quality of life on Koh Sichang. Continued … 

New hydropower dam in Laos could lead to ‘economic losses’

Conservationists and people of the Mekong Basin are petitioning the Thai government not to sign a contract to buy electricity from the Pak Beng Hydropower Dam in Laos, fearing economic and territorial losses.

The signatures were contained in an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga. Continued … 

Jet Fuel From Grass: Thai Scientists Turn Microbes Into Green Aviation Fuel

Thai researchers have developed a method to produce aviation biofuel using yeast fed with forage grass. This innovative approach aims to reduce reliance on petroleum-based fuels and minimize environmental impact.

A team from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Science is scaling up production of aviation biofuel derived from a high-fat-producing yeast strain. Their method also repurposes agricultural waste, addressing burning problems and creating value from farm byproducts. Continued … 

Long road ahead for EV industry

The ongoing price wars and uncertainty surrounding insurance coverage for electric vehicles serve as reminders that Thailand’s EV industry is still in a transitional stage. However, these challenges should not deter the nation from its path toward an electric future.

It is widely accepted that the future of automobiles is electric. Industry giants, including Goldman Sachs, predict that EVs could make up nearly half of global car sales by 2035. Continued … 

Zeekr to launch EV range amid sales dip

Domestic premium car sales plunged by 30% year-on-year during the first half amid the economic slowdown and intensifying competition, fueled by more Chinese electric vehicles entering the Asian market as a result of the impact of the U.S.-China trade war, says Zeekr Intelligent Technology, a Chinese EV maker under the Zeekr brand.

The company, owned by Geely Automobile Holding, raised the concern as it plans to market its Zeekr X compact electric sports utility vehicles, targeting motorists in the luxury car segment. Continued … 

How China took over the Southeast Asia EV market

Chinese companies are increasingly expanding their presence in emerging markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, where there is a growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Chinese EVs hold a competitive advantage in terms of pricing, which makes them more appealing compared to their pricier Western and Asian counterparts.

According to the International Energy Agency, China accounted for around 60% of global electric car sales in 2023. This highlights China’s significant role in the electric vehicle market, both in terms of production and sales. Continued … 

Battle for paradise: Who owns Thap Lan National Park?

The dispute over Thap Lan National Park shows no sign of ending as opposition mounts against plans to drastically reduce the park’s size, fearing it will benefit developers over long-time residents.

The environmentalist Seub Nakhasathien Foundation has vowed action against the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) if it continues with plans to slash about one-fifth of the national park’s area. Continued … 

Latest news updates about Thailand's environment, including reports regarding renewable energy, air pollution, water pollution, environmentally related wildlife issues, recycling, electric vehicles, plastic pollution, and more.