Clean Energy Powers Rural Herb Business in Ang Thong
Solar power systems installed in Ang Thong Province are transforming rural herb production and farming, cutting fuel costs by tens of thousands of baht annually while reducing emissions. The Energy Ministry-backed projects have equipped two
The Energy Ministry visited Ang Thong Province to inspect community enterprises producing herbal products and solar-powered water pump systems, highlighting the success of clean energy adoption. Nai Kong Kiat Kittikun, Energy Officer for Ang Thong Province, led media teams to monitor clean energy project implementation, part of the Energy Ministry's policy to expand clean energy access to rural communities, reduce production costs, create employment, and tangibly improve living standards.
The team inspected grassroots energy projects at the Rammasan farmers' group in Rammasan Sub-district, Phi Thong District, Ang Thong Province. The Provincial Energy Office partnered with the local municipality to install equipment using funds from the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund totalling 1,295,000 baht. This included one 3.5-kilowatt solar water pump system and one solar drying facility measuring 8.00 by 20.80 metres. The drying system enables the community to process various medicinal herbs into pain relief products (herbal compress, liniment, massage cream and oil), hair and skin care products (herbal shampoo, liquid and bar soap, body cream, scrub and body butter), and herbal beverages including tamarind tea and medicinal herbal teas.
The solar drying system has reduced fuel costs, shortened production time, and improved product quality and safety by eliminating dust and insects. Output now meets market standards. The approach also promotes environmentally friendly energy use. The team also monitored a second solar water pump project serving surface water sources under Tha Chang Sub-district Municipality, Ang Thong Province, which effectively reduces energy costs and could serve as a model for other communities.
The Rammasan farmers' group has saved 52,500 baht annually by replacing diesel fuel, irrigates over 20 rai of farmland, and reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 3,278.81 kilogrammes per year. The Tha Chang water project, funded with 1,175,000 baht from the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund, installed a solar pump system of at least 25 kilowatts serving 17 households and covering over 220 rai of farmland, ensuring year-round water availability. This saves villagers over 129,808.60 baht annually in fuel and electricity costs, conserves an average of 2.79 tonnes of oil equivalent per year, and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 19,425.85 kilogrammes annually. Both projects exemplify clean energy use delivering economic, environmental, and quality-of-life benefits. This monitoring reflects the Energy Ministry's commitment to promoting clean energy investment that creates lasting community benefits.
