Introduction
Chiang Mai University has demonstrated substantial commitment to providing energy efficiency services for local industry through collaborative partnerships and technology transfer initiatives across Northern Thailand. The university’s comprehensive approach addresses critical challenges in sustainable energy transition while supporting regional economic development through direct technical assistance, capacity building, and renewable energy implementation support.
Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development
In February 2025, the university formalized strategic cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand Mae Moh and Lampang Chamber of Commerce. This partnership framework enables integrated knowledge transfer, innovation deployment, and technical expertise sharing to advance economic sustainability in the Mae Moh district and Lampang province. The collaboration specifically targets smart energy development as a core pillar, facilitating direct technical assistance to local industrial operations transitioning toward renewable energy sources and improved energy efficiency standards. The initiative supports the Mae Moh Smart City concept, encompassing smart energy infrastructure, smart economy development, and smart environment management.
Ice Thermal Storage and Solar Energy Integration Services
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The university’s Institute for Energy Research and Development Nakhon Ping delivered specialized technical services through a demonstration project on ice thermal energy storage systems integrated with solar power generation in October 2024. Researchers provided comprehensive training workshops and operational guidance to power plant personnel at the EGAT Mae Moh facility. The project showcases innovative energy management technologies combining renewable energy infrastructure with advanced cooling systems utilizing natural refrigerants, achieving significant carbon emission reductions of 13 tons annually. Technical services included system design consultation, equipment maintenance training, and real-time energy monitoring implementation, demonstrating practical applications for industrial facilities seeking to optimize energy consumption and integrate clean energy sources.
Electric Vehicle Conversion Technology Transfer for Commercial Transport
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The university’s research team successfully developed electric vehicle conversion technology for local transportation operators, directly addressing energy consumption challenges in the commercial transport sector. The project, supported by the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund, provided technical services including vehicle modification assessments, performance monitoring systems installation, and operational training for two converted electric vehicles operating on Chiang Mai routes. These services enabled operators to reduce fuel costs from 12,000-15,000 baht to approximately 3,000 baht monthly, demonstrating tangible economic benefits alongside environmental improvements through reduced carbon emissions and particulate matter pollution. The university developed transferable control unit technology applicable to commercial vehicle conversion services, offering scalable solutions for logistics fleets and industrial transportation systems.
Conclusion
Through sustained engagement with local industry stakeholders, Chiang Mai University provides accessible, practical energy efficiency services combining research excellence with direct technical assistance. These initiatives demonstrate the university’s commitment to supporting regional economic sustainability through clean energy technology transfer, capacity building workshops, renewable energy assessments, and energy efficiency implementation guidance, creating measurable environmental and economic benefits for industrial partners.
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