Renewable energy is the way to go. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt signed an MoU last week with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) to expand renewable energy projects, a significant step towards his goal of transforming the nation’s capital into a smart city.

Governor Chadchart campaigned on making Bangkok a green and more livable city. Smart cities use advanced technologies to improve the quality of life and services. Governor Chadchart’s administration has drafted a Bangkok Energy Action Plan as a component of the Bangkok Master Plan on Climate Change 2021 to 2030.

The Bangkok Energy Action Plan includes the implementation of solar power systems, Wi-Fi-enabled smart light bulbs, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These technologies are essential for Bangkok to transform into a greener and more livable smart city.

Thailand has put a high emphasis on solar power. One example is the national electric agency floating solar panels atop reservoirs used for hydropower in provinces upcountry, which creates solar power that flows into the national grid. The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand has also been making solar energy available to many factories in its industrial parks.

In Bangkok, solar power-sharing projects have sprung up in parts of the city but have yet to be scaled up. The agreement between the city government and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), which serves the capital, will support the scaling up and building of more renewable systems.

“The MEA is dedicated to supporting Bangkok’s smart city ambitions by leveraging renewable energy systems. We aim to meet sustainable development goals, combat climate change, and promote energy conservation for a low-carbon society,” said MEA Governor Wilas Chaloeysat.