Thailand, a land of natural beauty, faces an escalating pollution crisis that threatens its environment. Yet, amid this challenge, collaboration with China is driving innovative solutions.
In the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, the Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid combines solar and hydropower, reflects a future where technology and nature coexist harmoniously.
The vast array of over 144,000 floating solar panels, covering an area equivalent to 70 football fields, combines with hydropower to generate 81MW of electricity, solar by day and hydropower by night.
"This is called a Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid. Now it's considered as the largest one in the world," said Arthit Phornkuna, chief of the Sirindhorn Hydro Power Plant Department.
It is a project co-developed by China Energy Engineering Group.
"The majority of products and equipment from are from China. The solar panel that is used is JA brand. The inverter is Sungrow brand, also from China. They also brought knowledge and knowhow about the linkage system," said Phornkuna.
But this dance of sun and water is more than just a technological achievement; it is a glimpse into a future where harmony reigns between humanity and the Earth. It minimizes land use and its impact on ecosystems. The solar panels also reduce water evaporation from the reservoir, crucial in a region where water is vital for agriculture and daily life.
"The growth of Ubon's city is that the development is increasing with the growth of industrial sectors and farmers' productivity. Ubon city and province are growing. So, we need to make energy available to support increased usage," said Phornkuna.
The villages in Ubon Province are remote. Many have limited access to electricity. Others faced with high electricity costs that are too much for the people to bear. For Sisaengtham School, the story was no different, until one monk dared to dream differently.
The monk imagined a school that could harness the power of nature, reduce its carbon footprint, and empower students with the knowledge that they could be part of the solution to the world's biggest challenges, where the sun's rays could become a source of enlightenment in more ways than one.
"China is the leader in solar technology. They also have their own products and materials. We can import their products inexpensively. It's the best in the world. In terms of quality, there is no better choice than this. If the (solar) system is turned off, the electricity bill costs around 20,000 Baht ($580) per month. When the solar system is turned on, we pay only 40 Baht per month. It is extremely economical and the obvious savings can generate more income for our school," said Phra Panyawachiramoli, founder of Sisaengtham school.
For students, sustainability is a lived experience. They know firsthand how renewable energy can change lives. They study solar power, monitor the school's energy production, and contribute to community sustainability projects.
Panyawachiramoli has become known as the "Solar Monk." Just like his teachings, the school, even the whole community has become a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern innovation, an extension of their belief in sufficiency and balance—a way to honor the Earth while embracing the future.
"We start with the environment as the foundation. Then there are two things, energy and agriculture. Agriculture is connected to individuals and the way of life of the community. No one can live without energy. So, I used this concept as a model to develop and drive this school," said Panyawachiramoli.
China and Thailand's collaboration in the solar sector is a natural fit. China's advanced technology complements Thailand's growing demand for renewable energy. Thailand's solar power strategy combines large-scale projects with community initiatives, featuring floating solar farms, and panels on temples, schools and rural homes.
But there is still a long way to go. Thailand's energy grids continue to rely heavily on fossil fuel, making up approximately 70 percent of the country's power, while only around 29 percent comes from renewable sources.
Amid the general gloom of climate change, pollution and a global energy crisis, Thailand's story is generally changing. The plot of sustainability is now emerging not as a distant ideal, but as a vivid, urgent reality for this country.
Chasing the sun: China's footprint on Thailand's energy landscape
The confidence of villagers of Panjiawan Township in central China's Hubei Province has been reinforced in creating a happy and prosperous life following a visit by President Xi Jinping.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited a vegetable farm and the Siyi Village in Hubei's Xianning City on Tuesday to learn about the local efforts in advancing rural revitalization.
At the farm, Xi checked the vegetables and asked about vegetable varieties, cultivation techniques and sales channels.
"The General Secretary genuinely cares about agriculture. He asked very detailed and professional questions. He also examined the growth of the vegetables," said Liu Zhaohui, a technician of Panjiawan Town Agricultural Technology Service Center.
Covering an area of 1,800 hectares, the township's vegetable farms produce 210,000 tons of vegetables annually.
Thanks to continuous efforts in industrial revitalization, the township has successfully nurtured kale varieties based on the local environment, reducing dependence on imported varieties.
"Before 2006 and 2007, 90 percent of the kale varieties were imported. In 2007 and 2008, we collaborated with a team of experts and academicians from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to cultivate new varieties based on local climate conditions and planting habits," said Zhang Jianjian, vice general manager of Hubei Jinrun Agricultural Development Company.
Brands like "Jiayu Kale" have secured the national geographical indication certification. The vegetable industry contributes an average annual income increase of 16,000 yuan (about 2230 U.S. dollars) per capita for farmers.
Xi's visit has reinforced the confidence of local farmers and agricultural experts in pursuing paths driven by science and technology, and further enhancing vegetable farming to benefit local people.
"Our team has six full-time technicians dedicated to agricultural technology services year-round. Throughout the entire production cycle, we will provide services, implement agricultural policies, offer guidance on disease and pest control. We also use the vegetable supply and demand information provided by our town's vegetable association to help farmers. When out-of-town merchants come here, we are a bridge for them to work with local farmers. Every year, we organize experts to provide professional training for farmers. Therefore, farmers here have a high level of expertise in vegetable cultivation," said Liu Zhaohui.
In Siyi Village, Xi visited an elderly care center and a community service center to check elderly care facilities and community services, and learn about the operation of the village-level organizations.
"I was very happy to meet President Xi today. We have three meals a day here. With the price of 300 yuan a month, we are offered a variety of dishes including meat, fish, shrimp. We are so happy," said Wang Jinxi, an elderly villager.
"The General Secretary is very concerned about reducing the burden at the grassroots level and the daily life issues of people. He asked us about our workload. We told him many service items have been reduced because many can be handled online, which saves a lot hassle for people," said Huang Ling, a village official.
Xi also visited a villager's home, and chatted with the family about their work and income, and the community's elderly care and health care.
"He asked me where I work now, and I said I work in Shenzhen. He asked how many years I have been there, and I told him it has been two years. I can go out to pursue my career with peace of mind because my parents' income is stable. They have land, too. The village has medical, recreational and dining facilities, very complete. We are very relieved about their life at home," said Xiong Wei, another villager.
From amenities like basketball courts to enhanced elderly care center, the village is dedicated to meeting diverse needs and ensuring a high quality of life for residents.
Xi's visit has further ignited villagers' enthusiasm for rural revitalization, with a shared commitment to creating a prosperous and happy life.
"The sporting equipment, as well as the basketball courts and children's playgrounds were all built in recent years. The people here are very happy," Huang said.
"I have never thought life would be so sweet. We dance and sing at night, and play cards in the afternoon. It's so enjoyable. I'm feeling really happy. I believe I could live to a hundred!" said Wang Jinxi.
Xi's visit boosts confidence of Hubei villagers in achieving rural prosperity
