Bangkok: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has announced a New Year’s gift for the public, involving the free installation of 5 kW solar panels across 50 communities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote clean energy access in various regions through research and development projects.
According to Thai News Agency, MHESI, in collaboration with the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and several network partners, is spearheading this initiative. The project will be piloted in three communities in Nan Province and aims to demonstrate the practical applications of research and development in community advancement. Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, emphasized that the “MHESI New Year Gift for the People 2026” focuses on tangible community benefits, leveraging research findings to foster positive local changes.
The initiative is a collaboration among 24 Rajabhat Universities and the Rajamangala University of Technology, focusing on local community development and technology innovation. The project includes the transfer of 100 ready-to-use technologies from 85 pilot projects in 45 communities, spanning 35 subdistricts and 20 districts. This effort aims to bolster local economies and address issues such as unstable electricity, particularly in education and public health sectors.
The solar panel installation is part of a broader effort to provide clean energy solutions. It targets key groups including schools, health promotion hospitals, farmer groups, and community enterprises. The NRCT is working with various public and private sector partners, such as the Clean Energy for People Foundation and the Renewable Energy Association of Thailand, to implement the program. The initiative includes a one-year pilot program with new and quality-checked used solar panels, with applications for participation opening in February 2026. The project underscores a commitment to integrating renewable energy into community infrastructure, starting with three communities in Nan Province.