Banpu NEXT, a leading smart energy solution provider in Asia Pacific, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Koh Samui Municipality to conduct a feasibility study and develop a master plan to transition Koh Samui with all the facilities necessary to become a low-carbon destination. The project is intended to boost capabilities and increase opportunities to support eco-friendly tourism while helping the island address sustainability challenges. With a focus on utilizing renewable energy and high-efficiency energy storage system, the initiative is also in line with ESG principles and Thai government’s commitment for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and Net Zero by 2065.
Koh Samui’s global recognition as a top island destination, evidenced by its 9th place* ranking in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards, draws a significant number of tourists. This necessitates sustainable development and Net Zero Solutions to accommodate the needs of its approximately 70,000 residents, a latent population nearly triple that number, and approximately 3,000 daily tourists**. This collaboration with Banpu NEXT marks a significant milestone for Koh Samui in managing critical issues affecting infrastructure, economic development and livelihood on the island, such as energy shortages and instability, inefficient transportation system, safety concerns, waste accumulation, and CO2 emissions.
Mr. Smittipon Srethapramote, Chief Executive Officer of Banpu NEXT Co, Ltd., said: “Banpu NEXT is committed to supporting Thailand on the journey to becoming a Net Zero society. We feel truly delighted that Koh Samui Municipality has selected Banpu NEXT as its consultation partner, studying the possibilities of designing Koh Samui into a low-carbon tourist destination. Our role encompasses assessment, strategic planning, CO2 emissions reduction approach design, and target result estimation. The findings will help us properly provide advisory and design suitable Net Zero Solutions for the island. In the first phase, Banpu NEXT will explore the potential of utilizing Renewable Energy and Energy Storage to handle unstable and insufficient electricity – the primary issue that needs to be addressed urgently as energy is an infrastructure crucial to CO2 emissions reduction. Additionally, we will find out the feasibility of adopting E-Mobility to uplift transportation efficiency and of implementing technology for waste management. All of these will be highly beneficial to the people and tourism on the island in the long run. It is also a part of driving the Thai economy under the ‘IGNITE Thailand’s Tourism’ policy, achieving the goal of Thailand as a regional tourism hub, and improving the well-being of citizens.”
Mr. Ramnate Chaikwang, Mayor of Koh Samui Municipality, said: “Koh Samui Municipality has set a vision to become ‘a city worth living in and traveling to, and a beach holiday hub in the Gulf of Thailand’. The municipality also aspires to turn Koh Samui into a low-carbon destination and smart city for everyone. We are very pleased that Banpu NEXT has become a part of our journey to foster the development of Koh Samui. Given the experience and expertise that Banpu NEXT has in smart energy solutions, and their unwavering support provided to several projects and organizations in Thailand and overseas, we trust that this collaborative partnership will conceptualize the best way possible to shape a better and more sustainable future of this island.”
Banpu NEXT’s ambition is to become a Net Zero Solutions provider supporting the global transition towards a Net Zero society. The company is prompt to be a long-term partner assisting Koh Samui’s transition to become a low-carbon destination, with its expertise in total smart energy solutions.
*Source : https://www.travelandleisure.com/wba-2024-islands-world-8658530
**Source : https://www.kohsamuicity.go.th/content/general
