China-Thailand green cooperation projects boost Thai livelihoods, energy transition

Ubon Ratchathani province in Thailand has become a landmark for China-Thailand clean energy cooperation, hosting a solar-powered charity school and the world's largest hydro-floating solar project.

These initiatives are transforming local livelihoods and driving a shift in the country's energy structure.

Ubon Ratchathani is nestled in a bend of the Mekong River. With over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and sunlight intensity reaching as high as 5.2 kilowatt-hours per square meter, which is 27 percent higher than cities such as the capital Bangkok, the region is ideal for solar power generation.

Sisaengtham school, a charity school in Ubon Ratchathani, is powered by solar panels manufactured in China. Phra Panyawachiramoli, the school's founder, stated that before installing the solar panels, the electricity bill amounted to 500 U.S. dollars per month. It has now been massively reduced to just 1.2 U.S. dollars, bringing significant savings to the school.

"China is a leader in solar technology. It has its own domestic products and materials. There's no beating them in quality," Phra Panyawachiramoli said.

A hydro-floating solar project in the Sirindhorn Dam is the world's largest integrated hydro-floating solar project and one of Ubon Ratchathani's main tourist attractions.

Launched in 2021 and co-developed by China Energy Engineering Group, the project features a massive array of solar panels, totaling 144,000 and covering an area equivalent to 70 football fields, creating a shimmering, sci-fi-like landscape.

"The power plant's been operating for three years. Look at all the rafts, boats and holidaymakers on the lake. So many. It shows how much the power plant is in harmony with the local community. It's helping Thai people to understand clean energy technology and its safe use," said a local official.

"This is Thailand's first hydro-floating solar project. It's also a demonstration project for the whole country," said Zhang Daxue, general manager of the Anhui No.2 Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd. under China Energy Engineering Group.

"Almost a million people have already visited this floating solar power station," said Arthit Phornkuna, director of the Sirindhorn Hydro Power Plant Department.

The Sirindhorn Dam integrated hydro-floating solar project reduces carbon emissions by 47,000 tons annually. With an annual output of 76 million kilowatt-hours, it provides enough energy for 28,300 people for a year.

China-Thailand green cooperation projects boost Thai livelihoods, energy transition

Venezuela is grappling with a humanitarian crisis as U.S. sanctions are hindering the country from accessing much-needed relief supplies after a deadly earthquake wreaked havoc in the South American nation last week.

Although the U.S. Department of the Treasury has temporarily eased some of the sanctions after the earthquakes, a short-term relief is still insufficient to make up for the structural damage caused by the long-standing restrictions imposed on the country, which has severely undermined the country's ability to access funds, equipment and aid resources for an extended period.

"More help is needed here, more help, even though Venezuelan people are contributing everyday," said Alberto Perez, an affected resident.

An Venezuelan political expert said that the legal and administrative actions taken by the U.S. authorities have clearly indicated that U.S. sanctions have directly hindered the flow of aid.

"This is precisely the strongest and clearest proof, the U.S. itself has admitted this through its own laws and administrative measures, admitting that sanctions, both in the past and now, have such an impact, that they hinder the delivery of funds and humanitarian aid," said Diego Sequera, a Venezuelan political analyst.

According to estimates from the United Nations (UN), the disaster has affected approximately 7 million people and caused 6.7 billion U.S. dollars in property damage, equivalent to 6 percent of Venezuela's GDP.

Venezuela is working with the UN and international humanitarian organizations to help affected communities access to aid.

Two powerful earthquakes, both measuring above magnitude 7.0, struck the country's north in rapid succession on June 24.

As of Tuesday, the death toll from the two earthquakes has risen to 1,943, with more than 10,000 injured, according to Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Tuesday.

Venezuela grapples with humanitarian crisis as U.S. sanctions block access to quake aid

Venezuela grapples with humanitarian crisis as U.S. sanctions block access to quake aid