Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport Takes A Green Leap With Solar Rooftop Panels

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) has successfully implemented solar rooftop panels on the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi Airport. This is part of a broader initiative aimed at achieving a target of 20% of the airport’s electricity being sourced from clean energy within the next two years.

Kerati Kijmanawat, the Director of AoT, highlighted the significance of this solar rooftop project in the airport’s journey to becoming Thailand’s inaugural “green airport,” emphasizing its role as a model for other airports seeking to adopt eco-friendly practices. With a capacity of 4.4 megawatts (MW), the solar power system is set to provide electricity to the terminal.

Additionally, these rooftop panels are anticipated to contribute to a reduction in terminal temperatures by up to seven degrees Celsius, leading to a 2% energy saving from the air conditioning system. The benefits of the project extend further, as Kerati noted potential annual savings of over 11 million baht.

Moreover, the adoption of solar rooftops is projected to curtail carbon emissions by over 3,600 tonnes each year, which is equivalent to the carbon absorbed by approximately 360,000 trees. AoT’s plans for the future encompass an expansion of solar panel installations, encompassing both rooftop panels and floating solar panels within the airport premises.

Alongside these initiatives, AoT envisions achieving a 20% reduction in the airport’s electricity expenses by installing 50 MW of solar panels by 2025. This comprehensive energy endeavor involves multiple stakeholders, including AoT, the District Cooling System and Power Plant Company, Egat, PTT Plc, and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority.