The Samyan Smart City project in central Bangkok is making significant strides in smart energy development, with the latest initiative involving the relocation of overhead power and communication cables underground, as reported by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA).
Last month, overhead cables along Chulalongkorn Soi 12, leading to Banthat Thong Road, and in front of the King Rama VI Monument near Lumpini Park were successfully removed, improving the urban landscape, according to Rachain Unwet, assistant governor for distribution system service at MEA.
This project follows a partnership between MEA and Chulalongkorn University, which began in June 2019.
Officials plan to enhance smart energy management in the area by improving the electricity supply, installing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and developing a smart grid, Mr. Rachain stated.
A BESS is designed to work alongside electricity generated from solar and wind sources, ensuring a consistent energy supply, since solar and wind energy availability fluctuates with weather conditions.
Additionally, the development of a smart grid within Samyan Smart City aims to optimize the management of electricity production, sales, and consumption. This smart grid will also facilitate the collection and analysis of consumer behavior data.
Samyan Smart City covers 1,153 rai of land bordered by four main roads: Banthat Thong, Rama IV, Henri Dunant, and Rama I.
The project, managed by the Property Management of Chulalongkorn University (PMCU), was initially funded in 2017 through the Energy Conservation Fund, which has also supported other smart city initiatives, including Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus in Pathum Thani.
As part of the smart energy development, rooftop solar panels have been installed at a parking area near Block 28 on Chulalongkorn Soi 5.
BCPG, the renewable energy division of the Bangchak Corporation, has been appointed to create a district cooling system for the project, contributing to energy savings, according to Niwat Adirek, president and CEO of BCPG.
Furthermore, Samyan Smart City promotes smart mobility by providing battery-operated shuttle buses for students and residents in the area, as highlighted by PMCU.
