7.2.2 Upgrade buildings to higher energy efficiency
Metric: University measures towards affordable and clean energy
Have plans to upgrade existing buildings to higher energy efficiency.
Energy Management at Prince of Songkla University
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) provides education through a wide range of programs and disciplines, offers medical services, and serves as a learning hub for surrounding communities. The university also allows external organizations to utilize its facilities for various activities. As a result, the overall energy consumption within the university is relatively high.
Recognizing the importance of effective energy management, PSU has implemented policies to promote sustainable and efficient energy use, aiming to reduce unnecessary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The university actively supports and encourages the use of renewable energy—particularly solar energy—as part of its commitment to sustainable development and its transition toward becoming a green and sustainable university.
These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and
Goal 13: Climate Action.
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) envisions itself as a “University of Value Driving Global Sustainable Development.” The University’s core missions aim to establish academic and innovative leadership, grounded in research to drive the development of southern Thailand and the nation, while connecting with society and global networks. PSU is committed to producing graduates with academic and professional competencies and developing the university into a knowledge-based, multicultural community that fosters sustainability, equality, and social opportunity. In alignment with this vision, the University has established various policies to advance its transformation into a Sustainable University.
As part of its diverse academic, medical, and community engagement activities, the University requires substantial electricity consumption for teaching, medical services, and community outreach.
In 2019, PSU implemented a solar power generation system with a total capacity of 800 kW, which successfully reduced electricity consumption by 976,577 kWh per year, equivalent to 3,906,308 Baht annually, and decreased carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 546.88 tons per year.
Additionally, a Lithium-Ion Battery energy storage system with a total power capacity of no less than 50 kW and a total energy capacity of no less than 500 kWh was installed at the Faculty of Nursing, Pattani Campus. The integrated solar and battery storage system enhances energy management efficiency, maximizing the use of renewable energy despite variable sunlight conditions and limited electricity demand during holidays. The system also serves as a backup power source for emergencies.
The Primary Health Care Service Center, Faculty of Nursing, Pattani Campus, provides emergency medical services for both on-campus and off-campus incidents and allows external agencies to use the facilities for various activities. These functions have contributed to increased energy demand.
To address this, PSU has established energy conservation measures to reduce electricity usage in campus buildings and decrease overall energy costs. Since 2019, the University has been implementing rooftop solar power generation systems across various buildings at Pattani Campus, with plans to expand installations to cover all five campuses as follows:
2019
- Classroom Building No. 19
- Classroom Building No. 58
- Office of Academic Resources Building
- Faculty of Nursing Building, Pattani Campus
2023
Faculty and Science & Technology Laboratory Building
2024
Rooftop solar installation covering all five campuses
In 2023, PSU installed a 107 kW solar rooftop system on the Faculty and Science & Technology Laboratory Building, which is expected to reduce electricity consumption by approximately … kWh per year, equivalent to … Baht per year, and decrease CO₂ emissions by approximately … tons per year.
Electricity generation from the 107 kW system is estimated to supply 10% of on-peak consumption and 15% of off-peak consumption, based on an electricity rate of 5 Baht per unit.
In 2024, Prince of Songkla University is implementing solar rooftop systems and smart grid energy management systems across all five campuses, with the following installation capacities:
- Hat Yai Campus: 6,409.50 kWp
- Pattani Campus: 2,579.20 kWp
- Trang Campus: 998.20 kWp
- Surat Thani Campus: 649.76 kWp
- Phuket Campus: 784.44 kWp
- Total installed capacity (five campuses): 11,421.10 kWp
Expected annual electricity generation: approximately 16,829,564.00 kWh