Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has developed a plan to create the first green airport in Thailand in 4 years. The goal is to switch to the use of renewable energy at the airport, which will reduce electricity costs by 20-30% per year.
Solar panels have already been installed on the roof of the main terminal, and further photovoltaic systems are planned to be added to increase renewable energy production, CEO Kirati Kitmanawat said.
AOT conducted a study and identified areas where additional solar panels could be installed, such as areas near airport runways, ponds, and bodies of water. This will make it possible to generate electricity for use in terminals. According to Kirati, AOT plans to fully switch to electricity generated by solar panels and renewable energy in 4 years.
One important step in the AOT plan is the transition to electric vehicles used at the airport. Upon expiration of the current car rental contract, AOT plans to switch to electric vehicles. In addition, the company will encourage public transport companies that provide services at the airport to use electric vehicles.
The transition to cleaner technologies and processes at airports can be a model for other companies and organizations operating in Thailand. In addition, such changes can lead to reduced environmental impacts and improved quality of life in nearby areas.
