Chasing the sun: China's footprint on Thailand's energy landscape

Thailand, a land of natural beauty, faces an escalating pollution crisis that threatens its environment. Yet, amid this challenge, collaboration with China is driving innovative solutions.

In the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, the Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid combines solar and hydropower, reflects a future where technology and nature coexist harmoniously.

The vast array of over 144,000 floating solar panels, covering an area equivalent to 70 football fields, combines with hydropower to generate 81MW of electricity, solar by day and hydropower by night.

"This is called a Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid. Now it's considered as the largest one in the world," said Arthit Phornkuna, chief of the Sirindhorn Hydro Power Plant Department.

It is a project co-developed by China Energy Engineering Group.

"The majority of products and equipment from are from China. The solar panel that is used is JA brand. The inverter is Sungrow brand, also from China. They also brought knowledge and knowhow about the linkage system," said Phornkuna.

But this dance of sun and water is more than just a technological achievement; it is a glimpse into a future where harmony reigns between humanity and the Earth. It minimizes land use and its impact on ecosystems. The solar panels also reduce water evaporation from the reservoir, crucial in a region where water is vital for agriculture and daily life.

"The growth of Ubon's city is that the development is increasing with the growth of industrial sectors and farmers' productivity. Ubon city and province are growing. So, we need to make energy available to support increased usage," said Phornkuna.

The villages in Ubon Province are remote. Many have limited access to electricity. Others faced with high electricity costs that are too much for the people to bear. For Sisaengtham School, the story was no different, until one monk dared to dream differently.

The monk imagined a school that could harness the power of nature, reduce its carbon footprint, and empower students with the knowledge that they could be part of the solution to the world's biggest challenges, where the sun's rays could become a source of enlightenment in more ways than one.

"China is the leader in solar technology. They also have their own products and materials. We can import their products inexpensively. It's the best in the world. In terms of quality, there is no better choice than this. If the (solar) system is turned off, the electricity bill costs around 20,000 Baht ($580) per month. When the solar system is turned on, we pay only 40 Baht per month. It is extremely economical and the obvious savings can generate more income for our school," said Phra Panyawachiramoli, founder of Sisaengtham school.

For students, sustainability is a lived experience. They know firsthand how renewable energy can change lives. They study solar power, monitor the school's energy production, and contribute to community sustainability projects.

Panyawachiramoli has become known as the "Solar Monk." Just like his teachings, the school, even the whole community has become a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern innovation, an extension of their belief in sufficiency and balance—a way to honor the Earth while embracing the future.

"We start with the environment as the foundation. Then there are two things, energy and agriculture. Agriculture is connected to individuals and the way of life of the community. No one can live without energy. So, I used this concept as a model to develop and drive this school," said Panyawachiramoli.

China and Thailand's collaboration in the solar sector is a natural fit. China's advanced technology complements Thailand's growing demand for renewable energy. Thailand's solar power strategy combines large-scale projects with community initiatives, featuring floating solar farms, and panels on temples, schools and rural homes.

But there is still a long way to go. Thailand's energy grids continue to rely heavily on fossil fuel, making up approximately 70 percent of the country's power, while only around 29 percent comes from renewable sources.

Amid the general gloom of climate change, pollution and a global energy crisis, Thailand's story is generally changing. The plot of sustainability is now emerging not as a distant ideal, but as a vivid, urgent reality for this country.

Chasing the sun: China's footprint on Thailand's energy landscape

A global dialogue on China's governance and world development was held in Washington, D.C. on Monday, bringing together nearly 100 guests, including U.S. think tank scholars and young representatives, to discuss China's governance experience and its contributions to the world.

The event was co-hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and the Chinese Embassy in the United States.

According to attendees, understanding today's China requires understanding the Communist Party of China (CPC). The recently concluded fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which drew worldwide attention, reviewed the Party's achievements and experience in full and rigorous self-governance in the new era and made systematic plans for sustaining these efforts, and will surely have a profound impact on China's future development.

They noted that as once-in-a-century changes accelerate and humanity once again stands at a crossroads, more and more countries and political parties are drawing inspiration from China's governance and seeking a development path suited to their own national conditions.

"China being such a leader in the world generally, a lot of countries will follow China's example. When I do learn about different Chinese advancements, it's been really nice to see that a lot of the research and technology that they are sharing is a lot more environmentally sustainable, I think," said Stephanie, a student at American University.

Some attendees said China's resilient and dynamic economy is the most important engine for the world economy and stability, and will continue to contribute positively to global governance.

They also expressed the hope that people-to-people exchanges between China and the U.S. can transcend cultural and institutional differences so that, through mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation, the two countries can jointly address global challenges and create a better future for humanity.

During the dialogue session, U.S. media leaders and young representatives shared their experiences in China and discussed China's achievements in modernization, analyzing the strong momentum of China's scientific and technological progress.

They noted that China's notable achievements in fields such as green energy transition offer inspiration and reference for global sustainable development. Young representatives from China and the U.S. expressed their hope to strengthen exchanges in science, technology and innovation and contribute to cooperation between the two countries.

China announced an initiative in November 2023 to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study over five years. The goal was reached two and a half years ahead of schedule.

During a visit to the U.S. in September, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that 100,000 young Americans will be invited to visit China for exchanges and study over the next five years.

"[For the] initiative for 100,000 students to come back within the next five years, he's already accomplished his first goal, which was five years. He did it in two and a half years. Now he's got a new goal. That's what the young people want," said Ronald Sakolsky, a retired American teacher.

Global dialogue on China's governance, world development held in Washington