7.4.2 100% renewable energy pledge
Metric: Energy and the community
Promote a public pledge toward 100% renewable energy beyond the university.
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) promotes the wider adoption of renewable and low-carbon energy technologies beyond the University through community-based innovation, demonstration projects and collaboration with local stakeholders.
Community-Based Renewable Energy Innovation
One example is the Hybrid Electric Tour Boat developed by PSU researchers for sustainable tourism in Laem Sak, Krabi. The boat integrates battery-electric propulsion with solar and wind energy, while retaining a diesel engine as a backup system. This technology has been applied in a real community setting to demonstrate how renewable energy can support lower-carbon tourism and reduce dependence on conventional fuels.
The project provides both economic and environmental benefits. It is estimated to reduce fuel costs by approximately THB 99,000 per boat per year, while also reducing exhaust emissions and lowering engine noise.
The Thai Government has also highlighted the project as an example of clean-energy innovation with potential for expansion to other coastal communities seeking to transition toward lower-carbon tourism systems.
Figure 1. PSU’s Hybrid Electric Tour Boat integrating solar, wind and battery technologies for low-carbon tourism in Laem Sak, Krabi.
Extending Renewable Energy Knowledge to Local Communities
PSU also promotes clean-energy knowledge and renewable-energy pilot activities through collaboration with Pattani Province. This cooperation includes the development of renewable-energy projects, technical and academic support, greenhouse-gas reduction calculations, and training and knowledge-sharing activities for local communities and relevant stakeholders.
Through these initiatives, PSU supports the adoption, understanding and practical application of renewable-energy technologies beyond its campuses.
Figure 2. PSU Pattani Campus collaboration with Pattani Province to promote clean energy, renewable-energy initiatives and community participation in low-carbon development.
Supporting the Transition Toward Cleaner Energy
PSU’s activities demonstrate its commitment to promoting renewable energy in communities and local sectors through research, technology transfer and practical demonstration. These initiatives contribute to the wider transition toward cleaner and lower-carbon energy systems.
While PSU continues to promote renewable-energy adoption beyond the University, a formal public pledge toward 100% renewable energy with external partners has not yet been established. Future development of such a pledge would further strengthen PSU’s contribution to a broader renewable-energy transition.