BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana announced that the government is advancing its Green Hospital policy by promoting clean and renewable energy in public health facilities to reduce operating costs, improve energy efficiency, and support Thailand’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Public Health and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) have signed an agreement to install solar rooftop systems at hospitals overseen by the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Public Health. The pilot phase will include 25 hospitals nationwide. Minister of Public Health Pattana Promphat stated that the government is working to strengthen national energy security and promote economic and environmental sustainability. The Ministry is also advancing its Net Zero MOPH policy to make healthcare facilities more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.
Hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health operate 24 hours a day and have high electricity demand. Last year, their combined electricity costs exceeded 5.61 billion baht. Solar rooftop systems are expected to reduce long-term expenses and enhance energy security for these facilities.
The 25 pilot hospitals are projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7,211 tons of carbon per year, or 288 tons per hospital. The project is also expected to save over 55 million baht in annual electricity costs, averaging 2.2 million baht per hospital. Deputy Minister of Interior Polapee Suwunchwee stated that PEA will provide comprehensive solar rooftop management, including design, installation, and maintenance, to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The deputy spokesperson emphasized that adopting renewable energy in the public sector must provide tangible public benefits without causing financial strain. The administration plans to expand the solar rooftop project to all Ministry of Public Health hospitals nationwide, supporting sustainable operations, enhancing public health services, and advancing the country’s progress toward carbon neutrality. (NNT)
