Over 56,000 sq m of Solar Rooftops Installed, Significantly Reducing Energy Consumption and Creating Value for Community, Society, and Environment
Dr. Suchai Vachapaikul, Co-Managing Director of the General Management Group at Future Park and ZPELL, revealed that the two entities had successfully implemented a solar power generation system on their roofs, known as “solar rooftop,” spanning an impressive area of more than 56,000 square meters. This installation comprises a total of 14,658 panels and boasts a production capacity exceeding 5.41 megawatts.
The system generates up to 7.4 million kilowatt-hours (KWh) of electricity annually, leading to savings of up to 27% on the electricity consumed in the shopping center’s common areas. This represents a significant improvement compared to the corresponding period in 2023. This initiative aligns with the organization’s comprehensive sustainability policy. It emphasizes environmental stewardship and societal benefit by evolving the organization in tandem with a business model that adds value and coexists harmoniously with the community, society, and the environment.
Since their inception, Future Park and ZPELL have prioritized energy conservation and environmental stewardship. They initially installed a solar rooftop system covering an area of over 43,000 square meters in 2018. Recently, they expanded this initiative to the Big C building, adding over 13,000 square meters of solar rooftop coverage. This expansion includes 3,636 panels, a production capacity of 1.999 megawatts, with an investment budget of 52 million baht.
Dr. Suchai highlighted that besides being an environmentally friendly source of electricity, solar rooftop energy production also significantly reduces the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This initiative has the potential to mitigate carbon emissions by as much as 7,779 tons. Additionally, Future Park and ZPELL are in the process of installing additional solar energy production systems. A 9-story parking building will soon feature 528 panels, with a production capacity of 322.4 kilowatts. This project, requiring an investment of 11 million baht, is scheduled to start in 2024, with electricity generation expected to begin by 2026.
In addition to harnessing solar and clean energy sources, Future Park and ZPELL are dedicated to minimizing energy consumption. A notable achievement in this regard is the enhancement of energy efficiency in their air conditioning system. Known as Chiller Optimization, this involves the intelligent control and scheduling of the cooling system’s operation, utilizing AI to regulate the circulation of cold water to decrease energy consumption. It is projected to achieve electricity savings of up to 6.49 megawatts per year by 2023. Additionally, it is expected to contribute to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 3,650 tons per year.
“Future Park and ZPELL are proud to play a role in reducing the country’s energy consumption. This reflects our commitment to conducting business operations that prioritize environmental and societal considerations as a whole,” concluded Dr. Suchai.
