Khon Kaen University (KKU) has signed a contract for the installation and operation of a solar power generation system with HYAPSS, totalling 30 megawatt-peak (MWp) capacity. This initiative is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, driving the university’s “Carbon Neutrality University” strategy forward with a target of achieving full carbon neutrality by 2029.
On Thursday, 12 February 2026, from 13:30 to 15:00 hrs, the signing ceremony for the Solar Power Generation System Installation and Service Project took place at the ground floor hall of the Sirikunakorn Building, Office of the President, Khon Kaen University.
The contract was formally executed between Khon Kaen University and the HYAPSS joint venture. Key signatories and witnesses included officials from Khon Kaen University: Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University; Asst. Prof. Tala Thammaroj, M.D., Vice President for Administration; and Assoc. Prof. Choopong Thongkamsamut, Ph.D., Vice President for Physical Ecosystem and Environment
Signing on behalf of the HYAPSS joint venture were Mr. Samir Yamdagni, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Nakarin Sairngamsthit, Deputy Chief Executive Officer; and Mr. Chawaeng Sueasatt, Business Development Manager. A number of executives, representatives from the government and private sectors, media, and distinguished guests were also in attendance to witness the ceremony.
Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, stated that the university has a long history of development spanning over 60 years on an expansive area exceeding 5,500 acres. KKU is strongly committed to driving sustainable development in all dimensions—physical, environmental, economic, and social—under the strategic plan, “Carbon Neutrality University.”
“The plan sets out a clear goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2029, guided by six key operational plans,” the President explained. “This solar energy project serves as a crucial mechanism for translating that goal into concrete reality.”
The project involves installing a solar power system with a total capacity of 30 MWp, integrating both ground-mounted (Solar Farm) and floating solar (Solar Floating) solutions. This capacity places it among the leading solar power generation projects within higher education institutions globally. The system is projected to reduce the university’s greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, out of its total emission volume of about 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. Furthermore, the project is expected to generate energy cost savings exceeding 2.5 billion Baht over the 20-year contract period.
Associate Professor Choopong Thongkamsamut, Ph.D., Vice President for Physical Ecosystem and Environment, elaborated on the university’s strategy. “Low Carbon, Net Zero Carbon, and Carbon Neutrality share the ultimate goal: any carbon emitted must be equally compensated or absorbed,” said the Vice President.
Khon Kaen University has systematically implemented six plans to drive carbon neutrality: using clean energy and enhancing energy efficiency; developing energy-saving buildings; managing campus areas by use zone; promoting electric vehicles; planting a target of 100,000 trees (with 35,000 already planted); and managing waste to reduce refuse at the source, which has already resulted in a reduction of three tonnes of waste per day. Associate Professor Choopong emphasised that success hinges on the collaboration of all sectors, thanking everyone involved in promoting the sustainable green university initiative.
Associate Professor Choopong added that, based on current evaluations, the university aims to achieve Carbon Neutral University status by 2029, focusing on self-compensatory carbon measures and eventually developing future carbon credits.
Speaking for the developer, Mr. Samir Yamdagni, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HYAPSS, expressed pride in being entrusted with Khon Kaen University’s renewable energy project, highlighting its status as a frontrunner in Thailand and the Southeast Asian region. He noted that the company has operated for over 30 years, focusing on renewable energy for the last 14, with a portfolio totalling over 250 megawatts and an investment value exceeding 3 billion Baht.
“This project has a total capacity of 30 megawatts, comprising 10 megawatts of Floating Solar, 8 megawatts of Solar Farm, and a 5 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system,” Mr. Yamdagni stated. “The company will be responsible for electricity generation for a duration of 20 years, saving the university approximately 3 billion Baht and reducing carbon emissions equivalent to planting over 700,000 trees annually. This significantly supports the university’s carbon neutrality goals.”
Mr. Yamdagni concluded by expressing confidence that the project would serve as a national model for clean energy and provide a crucial opportunity for developing the skills of future students and personnel.
The installation project is one of six master plans overseen by the University’s Net-Zero Carbon Committee, which includes: Energy-saving Buildings (Building & NC/EBOM); Area Management and Car-Free Zone Promotion; Electric Vehicle Transport System (EV Mobility); Carbon Capture (targeting absorption of 5,500–32,000 tonnes per year); Efficient Waste Management; and Infrastructure & Deployment.
Khon Kaen University has set key milestones to achieve Carbon Neutral status by 2028 and transition to Zero Carbon by 2029.
Beyond the environmental and economic benefits, Khon Kaen University aims to integrate the project into its teaching, research, and student development programmes, establishing a learning centre for renewable energy and furthering clean energy research and innovation in the future.
This signing ceremony marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will not only provide clean energy to the university but also reflects Khon Kaen University’s explicit intent to concretely pursue carbon neutrality, serving as a national and international model for a sustainable higher education institution.
News: Benjamaporn Mamook / Punnawaj Khuntip (4th Year Co-operative Education Trainee, Thai Language Programme, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University)
Photography: Natthawut Charuwong / Punnawaj Khuntip
