Energy and the Community
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) actively supports the transition toward cleaner and more efficient energy systems through community education, applied research, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and partnerships with government agencies.
Between January 2025 and March 2026, the university engaged in initiatives addressing renewable energy education, solar energy technology, industrial energy efficiency, electric vehicle charging systems, energy-related environmental challenges, and appropriate technologies for rural communities.
These activities reflect RMUTL’s role as a regional technical university that connects academic knowledge with practical energy challenges faced by communities, industries, educational institutions, and public agencies.
Through its engineering faculties, research units, technology transfer centers, and external partnerships, RMUTL supports the development of technical knowledge and practical approaches that can improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen the capacity of different sectors to participate in the clean energy transition.
1. Community Education and Outreach on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
RMUTL provides educational outreach activities that introduce renewable energy technologies, promote responsible energy consumption, and develop practical knowledge among young people, community members, and occupational groups.
Renewable Energy Education for Secondary School Students in Nan
On February 21, 2025, RMUTL Nan Campus, through its Faculty of Engineering, collaborated with Satri Sri Nan School to organize an educational activity on energy and renewable energy for 40 Grade 7 students.
The activity introduced fundamental concepts of energy use and renewable energy, helping students understand the importance of efficient energy consumption and the role of alternative energy technologies in reducing dependence on conventional fuels.
By providing opportunities for students outside the university to learn about energy technologies, RMUTL contributed to early awareness of sustainable energy systems and encouraged interest in science and engineering.
The program demonstrates the university’s role in extending energy education beyond its enrolled students and strengthening public understanding of energy efficiency and clean energy.
Bioenergy and Agricultural Waste Utilization Education in Nan
On September 10, 2025, RMUTL Nan Campus organized a practical educational activity for students from Santisuk Pittayakhom School.
The program focused on energy technologies and bioenergy derived from agricultural waste materials, linking renewable energy knowledge with agricultural resource management.
The activity introduced learners to the potential use of locally available biomass and agricultural residues as energy resources.
This approach supports understanding of circular resource utilization by showing how agricultural by-products can be considered potential inputs for energy-related applications rather than simply discarded as waste.
The educational activity strengthened practical learning opportunities for secondary school students and promoted awareness of renewable energy options relevant to agricultural communities.
Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance Training
During February 14–21, 2025, RMUTL participated in training activities focused on the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic systems for independent workers and designated occupational groups.
The training supported the development of practical skills relevant to renewable energy installation, operation, and maintenance.
The activity contributed to workforce capacity building by increasing access to technical knowledge concerning solar energy systems.
Such skills are relevant to expanding renewable energy applications and supporting local employment opportunities in clean energy-related occupations.
Together, these educational activities illustrate RMUTL’s role in strengthening energy literacy, practical renewable energy competencies, and broader community awareness of cleaner energy technologies.
2. Promoting Renewable Energy Adoption through Public Education and Technical Cooperation
RMUTL contributes to the promotion of renewable energy by sharing technical knowledge, supporting applied research, and cooperating with external organizations.
The university’s activities in solar photovoltaic technology, renewable energy education, smart energy systems, and community microgrid learning demonstrate its engagement in the transition toward renewable and more efficient energy systems.
In May 2025, RMUTL researchers participated in the EENET 2025 academic conference and conducted a study visit concerning the Ban Khlong Ruea community microgrid in Chumphon Province.
The community microgrid provided an opportunity to examine practical approaches to electricity management and the application of cleaner energy systems in community settings.
Through these activities, RMUTL supported the exchange of knowledge on decentralized energy systems and the potential of renewable energy technologies to strengthen community energy resilience.
The university’s cooperation with academic institutions, industry partners, and energy authorities also provides a foundation for communicating the benefits of renewable energy beyond the campus.
However, promoting renewable energy technologies and participating in related research activities are not equivalent to obtaining a formal public commitment to 100% renewable energy.
The reviewed activities demonstrate renewable energy promotion and technical cooperation, but they do not establish that RMUTL organized a public pledge campaign or secured commitments from external organizations to achieve 100% renewable energy use.
3. Direct Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Services for Industry
RMUTL provides technical expertise and applied research services that support industrial energy efficiency and the development of cleaner technologies.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Ceramic Manufacturing
On March 13, 2026, RMUTL reported the completion of an Industrial Technology Assistance Program (ITAP) project designed to improve energy efficiency in ceramic production at P.N. Ceramic.
The project focused on improving the energy performance of a ceramic kiln through the introduction of an automated temperature and humidity control system.
Ceramic manufacturing requires significant energy input for thermal processing. Improved control over kiln operating conditions can help manufacturers manage energy use and improve the consistency of production processes.
The project applied technical expertise to a specific industrial energy challenge and involved the development of an automated control approach suitable for the production environment.
The activity demonstrates a direct university–industry service addressing energy efficiency in manufacturing operations.
Its anticipated benefits include more efficient energy utilization, improved process control, potential reductions in production costs, and reduced environmental impacts associated with energy-intensive production.
The available public report confirms the project completion, but does not provide sufficient verified information to calculate the amount or percentage of energy saved.
The service was delivered through an ITAP-supported project. The available evidence does not establish whether the participating company received the assistance free of charge or paid a service contribution.
Electric Vehicle Charging Technology and Industrial Skills Development
During February 3–4, 2025, RMUTL organized a DC Charger Technology workshop at the Modern Automotive Laboratory, Doi Saket Campus, Chiang Mai Province.
The workshop involved RMUTL researchers and personnel from private-sector organizations, including KBM Technology Co., Ltd., and P.G. Intergroup.
The training focused on bidirectional electric vehicle charging technology and Vehicle-to-Grid applications.
Participants gained knowledge relevant to the development and operation of EV charging technologies, including systems that may support improved integration between electric vehicles and electricity networks.
This activity contributed to technical capacity building in the electric vehicle sector and strengthened cooperation between the university and industry.
By providing specialized expertise, RMUTL supported professional development relevant to cleaner transportation technologies and future energy system innovation.
Applied Research on Industrial Emissions and Cleaner Energy Systems
On October 15, 2025, researchers from three RMUTL research units conducted a technical study visit to the Mae Hong Son Diesel Power Plant.
The visit focused on understanding pollutant treatment systems and identifying opportunities for collaborative research on cleaner energy technologies and environmental management.
The activity provided an opportunity to examine existing industrial energy systems, discuss environmental challenges, and explore research approaches that could support more efficient or environmentally responsible energy operations.
The visit represents a technical assessment and research development activity rather than evidence that an industrial emissions reduction solution had already been deployed.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate RMUTL’s direct engagement with industrial partners through technical training, applied research, and energy-related process improvement.
4. Supporting Government Agencies in Clean Energy Technology and Regional Energy Planning
RMUTL collaborates with public agencies to provide technical knowledge and research input relevant to energy planning, environmental management, and cleaner energy systems.
Research Cooperation with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
During 2025, RMUTL strengthened cooperation with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) through technical discussions, research exchanges, and collaborative planning activities.
On July 16, 2025, EGAT representatives visited RMUTL to review research activities conducted by the university’s Clean Energy Research Unit and discuss opportunities for academic and technological cooperation.
The exchange provided an opportunity for university researchers and public energy-sector representatives to examine research capabilities and consider future cooperation in clean energy innovation.
On October 27, 2025, RMUTL participated in research planning discussions with EGAT and the Royal Project Foundation to identify opportunities for addressing development challenges in highland communities.
The discussions provided a basis for exploring research cooperation involving energy technologies, engineering applications, and environmental management.
In December 2025, RMUTL researchers also participated in EGAT’s annual government relations meeting in Rayong Province, strengthening professional networks and communication concerning energy and environmental research.
These activities demonstrate continued engagement between RMUTL and a major national energy organization.
Field-Based Energy Assessment for Public Services and Highland Communities
On January 23, 2026, RMUTL and EGAT conducted field activities aimed at examining energy and environmental challenges affecting Wat Chan Hospital and Royal Project-related areas.
The activity supported the identification of local energy needs and opportunities for developing more appropriate and sustainable energy systems.
By combining university research expertise with the technical capabilities of a public energy organization, the collaboration helped establish a foundation for evaluating practical energy-related challenges in geographically and environmentally sensitive areas.
Such cooperation can inform future technical planning, project development, and energy management decisions involving public institutions and rural communities.
The activities demonstrate technical engagement and the provision of research input to public-sector partners.
However, the available evidence does not establish that the university’s recommendations had already been incorporated into an officially adopted local, regional, or national clean energy policy.
5. Supporting Low-Carbon Technology and Innovation Development
RMUTL supports the development of technologies relevant to a low-carbon economy through applied research, collaboration with industry, and technical education.
Renewable Energy and Smart Electrical Systems
The university’s Clean Energy Research Unit and related engineering research groups contribute knowledge in renewable energy, electric vehicle charging, energy management, and smart electrical systems.
The DC Charger Technology workshop provided a practical opportunity to exchange knowledge on bidirectional charging and future energy system applications.
RMUTL also strengthened its research network through collaboration discussions with Pathumwan Institute of Technology in November 2025.
These activities support the development of technical capabilities and potential research partnerships that may contribute to future low-carbon innovations.
Research Networks and Community-Oriented Innovation
RMUTL’s participation in energy research networks, its engagement with EGAT, and its examination of community microgrid applications provide opportunities for collaborative innovation.
These activities are relevant to technological fields that could support low-carbon entrepreneurship, including renewable energy systems, energy management devices, electric mobility, and decentralized electricity technologies.
The university’s broader innovation and business incubation infrastructure may provide potential pathways for the development and commercialization of research-based technologies.
Nevertheless, the reviewed sources do not identify a specific low-carbon startup that received documented incubation, funding, business mentoring, commercialization support, or market-entry assistance during the reporting period.
Accordingly, the activities should be presented as evidence of research and innovation capacity relevant to low-carbon development, rather than as confirmed outcomes of a dedicated low-carbon startup assistance program.
6. Institutional Contributions to Community and Industry Energy Development
RMUTL’s activities demonstrate four major areas of contribution beyond the university.
Community Energy Education: The university provided practical learning opportunities in renewable energy, bioenergy, and energy conservation for school students and occupational groups.
Industrial Energy Efficiency: RMUTL supported the improvement of industrial energy performance through technical services and applied research, including an automated control system for ceramic production.
Public-Sector Technical Cooperation: The university collaborated with EGAT and other development organizations to examine energy challenges and explore future research and planning opportunities.
Low-Carbon Research and Innovation: University researchers engaged in technological development and research cooperation involving EV charging, renewable energy systems, industrial emissions, and community-scale energy technologies.
These activities connect university expertise with external stakeholders and support the wider application of energy-related knowledge.
7. Summary of Community and Industry Clean Energy Initiatives
| Date | Activity and Partners | Main Focus | Outputs and Potential Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 3–4, 2025 | RMUTL and EV industry partners | Bidirectional DC charging and Vehicle-to-Grid technology | Supported technical skills development and knowledge exchange for cleaner transportation and energy integration |
| February 14–21, 2025 | RMUTL and renewable energy training partners | Solar photovoltaic installation and maintenance | Strengthened technical competencies among independent workers and occupational groups |
| February 21, 2025 | RMUTL Nan and Satri Sri Nan School | Renewable energy and energy conservation education | Introduced renewable energy knowledge to 40 secondary school students |
| May 2025 | RMUTL researchers and the Ban Khlong Ruea community microgrid initiative | Community-scale electricity management and cleaner energy systems | Supported knowledge exchange on decentralized energy and community energy resilience |
| July 15, 2025 | RMUTL and the Office of the Vocational Education Commission | Renewable energy professional competency training and assessment | Supported renewable energy skills and professional capacity among vocational education personnel |
| July 16, 2025 | RMUTL and EGAT | Clean energy research and technical cooperation | Strengthened research partnerships and identified opportunities for future energy innovation |
| September 10, 2025 | RMUTL Nan and Santisuk Pittayakhom School | Bioenergy and agricultural waste utilization | Promoted practical understanding of biomass energy and circular resource use |
| October 15, 2025 | RMUTL research units and Mae Hong Son Diesel Power Plant | Pollutant treatment systems and cleaner energy research | Identified technical and environmental challenges for potential research cooperation |
| October 27, 2025 | RMUTL, Royal Project Foundation, and EGAT | Collaborative research planning for highland communities | Established opportunities for developing energy-related and environmental technologies suited to local needs |
| January 23, 2026 | RMUTL and EGAT | Field assessment of energy and environmental challenges at Wat Chan Hospital and Royal Project-related sites | Provided technical information to support future energy system improvements |
| March 13, 2026 | RMUTL Strategic Projects Unit, ITAP, and P.N. Ceramic | Automated temperature and humidity control for ceramic kiln energy efficiency | Completed an industrial energy improvement project with potential benefits for energy savings and manufacturing efficiency |
8. Overall Contributions and Institutional Impact
Between January 2025 and March 2026, RMUTL demonstrated active engagement in extending clean energy knowledge and technical expertise to communities, industries, and public-sector partners.
Educational activities introduced renewable energy concepts to secondary school students and developed solar energy skills among external occupational groups.
The university’s industrial engagement included an energy efficiency improvement project for ceramic production and specialized training in electric vehicle charging technology.
Research collaboration with EGAT, the Royal Project Foundation, and other partners supported the identification of energy challenges and the exploration of technologies relevant to environmental protection and rural energy systems.
These activities produced documented outputs in technical training, research cooperation, field assessment, and industrial process improvement.
They also established opportunities for longer-term benefits, including stronger energy literacy, improved industrial efficiency, more appropriate community energy technologies, and reduced environmental impacts.
The reviewed evidence supports RMUTL’s role in community energy education, industrial technical services, and public-sector research cooperation. Further documentation would be required to demonstrate formal public renewable energy pledges, adopted government energy policies, or direct support provided to identified low-carbon startups.
Through its regional partnerships, RMUTL contributes technical knowledge and applied research capacity to the wider transition toward more efficient, accessible, and environmentally responsible energy systems.
Sources
- Renewable Energy Education for Secondary School Students, Nan — February 21, 2025
https://engineering.rmutl.ac.th/news/28156-21022568 - Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance Training — February 2025
https://www.rmutl.ac.th/news/28186-2025-02-14-21 - DC Charger Technology Workshop — February 2025
https://www.rmutl.ac.th/news/27975 - Community Microgrid Research and EENET 2025
https://www.rmutl.ac.th/news/29015 - Renewable Energy Professional Competency Training — July 2025
https://www.rmutl.ac.th/news/29488 - EGAT Visits RMUTL Clean Energy Research Unit — July 2025
https://www.rmutl.ac.th/news/29512 - Bioenergy Education from Agricultural Waste, Nan — September 2025
https://nan.rmutl.ac.th/news/30115-10092568 - Smart Electrical Energy Engineering and Vocational Education Cooperation — October 2025
https://www.rmutl.ac.th/news/30392 - Research Visit to Mae Hong Son Diesel Power Plant — October 2025
https://engineering.rmutl.ac.th/news/30510 - RMUTL, Royal Project Foundation, and EGAT Research Collaboration — October 2025
https://www.rmutl.ac.th/news/30631 - Clean Energy Research Cooperation with Pathumwan Institute of Technology — November 2025
https://www.rmutl.ac.th/news/30830 - Energy and Environmental Research Networking with EGAT — December 2025
https://www.rmutl.ac.th/news/31007 - RMUTL and EGAT Energy Field Assessment — January 2026
https://www.rmutl.ac.th/news/31534-23169 - ITAP Industrial Energy Efficiency Project: P.N. Ceramic — March 13, 2026
https://sdgs.rmutl.ac.th/7/กลุ่มงานยุทธศาสตร์-spu-ปิด-3/