Singapore-based Envision Digital International has been tapped to develop the first smart grid for Thailand’s major energy company, PTT Public Company (PTT), which contributes to approximately 16% of the country’s GDP.
The contract involves developing an AIoT smart grid at Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), powered by Envision Digital’s AIoT operating system EnOS. By integrating floating solar panels, rooftop solar panels, energy storage system, and electric charging stations in the campus with Envision’s Enlight and Ensight digital analytics software, the smart grid project will help PTT to achieve its 2020 strategic objective: Zero increase of absolute emission growth rate.
The contract follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two companies in April 2019 to work together on multiple initiatives around new energy and digital transformation.
“Our project at VISTEC is part of our efforts in digital transformation and energy transition. Not only will it contribute to CO2 emission reduction, it will also serve as a sandbox for PTT Group and researchers at VISTEC to do their R&D activities around electricity value chain and smart city development, which we hope can later be applied for commercial uses”, said Darunporn Kamolpus, executive vice president for innovation and digital development at PTT.
The AIoT smart grid for VISTEC is targeted for completion by end of 2020.
It is the first project of its kind in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation, a specialised sector focusing on innovation under the Eastern Economic Corridor, which has increasingly grown important region for ASEAN trade and commerce. It will serve as a pilot for similar projects across PTT’s other assets in Thailand.
“The application of AIoT smart grid technology offers huge potential for PTT and other major infrastructure operators, communities and companies across Thailand in promoting energy efficiency and transition,” said Sylvie Ouziel, international president, Envision Digital International.
She added: “Transition to less carbon-intensive energy sources is critical to meet the emissions reduction targets of the Paris Agreement, which Thailand has ratified. AIoT technology constitutes a key enabler for this smart transition. Envision Digital team and myself are quite pleased to partner with the Thai energy leader PTT to jointly address this challenge.”
