SUT: Carbon reduction and emission reduction process

Greenhouse gas emission reduction program

1. SUT-E-Bike with Solar Power Charging Station Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) is implementing the SUT-E-Bike with Solar Power Charging Station project to promote the use of clean energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from transportation within the university. This project addresses the high volume of student and staff commuting short distances between buildings, which previously relied heavily on personal cars and motorcycles. Under this project, SUT has developed regular bicycles into electric bicycles (E-Bikes) with a simple, easy-to-maintain system that is scalable. A prototype solar-powered charging station for these electric bicycles has also been constructed to provide a clean energy source for charging, replacing the need for electricity from the mains grid. This project is part of SUT's Carbon Reduction Process and aims to promote the use of clean energy vehicles within the university, reduce air pollution, and support the Sustainable Development Goals in clean energy and climate change adaptation.

2. Quick Charge EV with Solar Power Station Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) is implementing the Quick Charge EV with Solar Power Station project to support the use of electric vehicles (EVs) within the university and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use. The project involves designing and constructing a quick-charge EV charging station that uses solar power as its primary energy source. This project is part of the university's Carbon Reduction and Emission Reduction Process to promote the use of clean energy, environmentally friendly transportation, and support the transition to a low-carbon transportation system within the university area.

3. Solar-Off-Grid Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) is implementing the Smart Electric Motorcycle Service Project in the university area, or “MoreSai @ SUT,” to provide an alternative transportation option within the university, especially for students who do not own motorcycles, and to reduce the use of fuel-powered vehicles. This project offers electric motorcycles (E-Motorcycles) through the MoreSai Application, which users can conveniently book and use via their mobile phones. All vehicles have speed limits for safety, and the service area is limited to within the university using geo-fencing technology to control the usage scope. The MoreSai @ SUT project plays a significant role in reducing air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions from transportation within the university area, while also promoting the use of clean energy and sustainable transportation systems.

4. This gasification power prototype plant uses fixed-bed downdraft gasification technology and use additional heat source from the plasma system. Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) has developed a pilot plant for generating energy from a fixed-bed downdraft gasification process, incorporating a plasma system as a supplementary heat source. This enhances the efficiency of waste disposal and sustainable electricity generation. The pilot plant uses infectious waste from Suranaree University of Technology Hospital (SUT Hospital) and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) as fuel, and comprises four main processes: Fuel conveying system, Fuel gas production system, Fuel gas cleaning system, and Electrical generation system. This technology can maintain incineration temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius, using electricity via a plasma arc technique to heat the air (a mixture of N₂ and O₂ gases). This results in highly efficient waste disposal, reduced waste residue, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. This project is part of SUT's Carbon and Emission Reduction Process, safely managing waste while producing clean energy, supporting SUT's sustainable development goals in energy and the environment.

5.Organic and Inorganic Waste Disposal Plant : Integrated Solid Waste Sorting Plant Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) implements a comprehensive waste management system through an Integrated Solid Waste Sorting Plant (IMSP) to maximize the benefits of organic and inorganic waste. This is achieved using Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) technology combined with an organic fertilizer production process. The sorting system comprises a conveyor belt, grinder machine, MBT system, and sieve machine to separate organic waste for compost production and plastic waste for refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Of a total waste volume of 1,468 tons per year, 93% can be reused, equivalent to 1,140 tons per year. This includes 663 tons of RDF fuel and 477 tons of organic fertilizer. The operation of this plant reduces landfilling and incineration, decreases greenhouse gas emissions from traditional waste disposal methods, and promotes efficient resource utilization. It is a crucial process in... Reducing carbon emissions and pollution (Carbon and Emission Reduction Process) of the university and supporting sustainable development in energy and the environment.

6. Small-Scale Biomass Power Plant (100 kW) at Suranaree University of Technology Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) has developed a 100 kW small-scale biomass power plant to serve as a testing ground and prototype for clean energy production technology from biomass. The plant utilizes Downdraft Gasification Technology, which converts biomass fuel into producer gas for electricity generation. The power plant comprises four main systems: A Gasifier Unit, an open-top fixed-bed downdraft gasifier designed with thermal insulation to maintain combustion temperature and minimize energy loss, along with an automatic fuel feeding and ash removal system. A Gas Cleaning System, consisting of: A Cyclone Collector for separating dust and small particles from the gas; A Water Scrubber and Chiller Scrubber for capturing dust, soot, and tar using water at temperatures of approximately 32°C and 10°C, respectively; and a Wastewater Treatment System with multiple water holding tanks and a flocculation tank for chemical treatment of process wastewater, with the treated water reused in the system. To reduce water usage and waste, a Gas Blower and Combustion Testing System is used to extract cleaned fuel gas for combustion and energy production testing. This small-scale biomass power plant project promotes the use of renewable energy from agricultural waste, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions in the electricity generation process. This is part of the Carbon Reduction and Emission Reduction Process.

6. Small-Scale Biomass Power Plant (100 kW) at Suranaree University of Technology Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) has developed a 100 kW small-scale biomass power plant to serve as a testing ground and prototype for clean energy production technology from biomass. The plant utilizes Downdraft Gasification Technology, which converts biomass fuel into producer gas for electricity generation. The power plant comprises four main systems: A Gasifier Unit, an open-top fixed-bed downdraft gasifier designed with thermal insulation to maintain combustion temperature and minimize energy loss, along with an automatic fuel feeding and ash removal system. A Gas Cleaning System, consisting of: A Cyclone Collector for separating dust and small particles from the gas; A Water Scrubber and Chiller Scrubber for capturing dust, soot, and tar using water at temperatures of approximately 32°C and 10°C, respectively; and a Wastewater Treatment System with multiple water holding tanks and a flocculation tank for chemical treatment of process wastewater, with the treated water reused in the system. To reduce water usage and waste, a Gas Blower and Combustion Testing System is used to extract cleaned fuel gas for combustion and energy production testing. This small-scale biomass power plant project promotes the use of renewable energy from agricultural waste, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions in the electricity generation process. This is part of the Carbon Reduction and Emission Reduction Process.

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) has implemented the Gasification Process to produce energy from biomass. This process converts solid hydrocarbon fuels into producer gas, consisting of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H₂), and methane (CH₄), through a high-temperature partial oxidation process. The gasification process is divided into four reaction zones: Drying Zone (100–200°C) – Heat from the combustion zone is used to reduce moisture in the fuel, but the temperature is not yet high enough for the decomposition of volatile substances. Pyrolysis/Distillation Zone (200–500°C) – Heat causes the volatile substances in the biomass to decompose, producing methanol, acetic acid, and tar, leaving behind carbon in the form of charcoal. Combustion/Oxidation Zone (1,100–1,500°C) – This area involves injecting air to ignite the fuel and cause combustion. A chemical reaction occurs between oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, producing CO₂ and H₂O, which provide heat for use in other zones. Reduction Zone (500–900°C) – Hot gases from the combustion zone undergo reduction reactions, where the remaining carbon reacts with CO₂ and H₂O to form fuel gases: CO, H₂, and CH₄. This gasification technology is a clean energy production process from biomass that reduces the direct combustion of fuels, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and efficiently converts waste into useful energy. It is part of the Carbon Reduction and Emission Reduction Process.

7. SUT Recycle Bank Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) operates the SUT Recycle Bank, a collection point for recyclable waste from students and staff, systematically transporting it to recycling plants. The service is available every Thursday from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. The project purchases up to 25 types of recyclable materials, covering all types of reusable waste. The total amount of recyclable waste managed is 250,896 kilograms per year, representing 10.58% of the total waste volume, meeting the set target. The annual revenue of 89,015 baht is deposited into the university's environmental fund to support ongoing environmental activities. The SUT Recycle Bank's operations reduce landfill and incineration waste, decrease the use of new natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 612 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year (612 ton CO₂e/year), a crucial part of the Carbon Reduction and Emission Reduction Process.

8. SUT Green Parking Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) has implemented the “Green Parking and Upcycling Garden at Building 1 Parking Area” project to transform the parking area at Building 1 into an environmentally friendly green parking lot. The project supports clean energy and equitable access, aiming to reduce air and noise pollution from vehicles entering the university's learning and assembly areas. The project's approaches to carbon reduction and greenhouse gas emission management include: Developing a clean energy parking area: Allocating dedicated spaces for 9 electric cars and 26 electric motorcycles, along with charging stations, to promote the transition from fuel-powered vehicles to clean energy transportation. Promoting low-carbon transportation: Providing 22 bicycle parking spaces to encourage faculty and students to use bicycles instead of cars, reducing carbon emissions and promoting health. Increasing green spaces and gardens from recycled materials: Creating a shaded atmosphere, reducing the urban heat island effect, and utilizing leftover materials to demonstrate the circular economy concept. Reducing pollution and promoting a better learning environment: Designing the space to minimize noise and pollution from vehicles entering the academic buildings. Upholding safety and equitable access: Implementing safety measures, fire prevention, and designing the space for fair accessibility for all. Results: This project has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuel vehicles. Promoting the use of e-commerce and low-carbon transportation while creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly learning environment within the university.

Suranaree University of Technology Announcement Regarding Environmental and Energy Management Policy, B.E. 2567 (2024). To align Suranaree University of Technology's environmental and energy management with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Environmental and Energy Management Policy of 2024 is hereby announced, with the following details: The design and construction of new buildings and the renovation of existing buildings shall comply with the Ministerial Regulation specifying the types and sizes of buildings, and the standards, criteria, and methods for energy-efficient building design, B.E. 2563 (2020). Environmental management of buildings shall follow the Green Office guidelines. Support and encourage students, personnel, and stakeholders to help protect the environment, reduce resource consumption, and use energy wisely. Support and promote the continuous expansion of green spaces within the university, including tree conservation and replanting. Promote environmentally friendly procurement and services (Green Procurement). Focus on integrated waste management following the Zero Waste approach, by utilizing waste and generating income. As well as promoting activities to reduce and separate waste at the source according to the 5Rs approach: Reduce waste (Reduce), Reuse (Reuse), Recycle (Recycle), Repair (Repair), Avoid pollution (Reject), and Upcycling (Reuse without processing). Reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the university and move towards becoming a Carbon Neutral University by 2035. Promote the use of renewable energy within the university by more than 25% to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.