In recent years, digital technology has played a pivotal role across numerous industries, driving innovation, boosting economic growth, and addressing global challenges such as sustainable development and climate change. One company that has been at the forefront of this digital transformation is Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading global provider of information and communications
In recent years, digital technology has played a pivotal role across numerous industries, driving innovation, boosting economic growth, and addressing global challenges such as sustainable development and climate change.
One company that has been at the forefront of this digital transformation is Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) solutions.
At the recent ‘EARTH JUMP 2023: New Frontier of Growth’ seminar in Thailand, hosted by Kasikorn Bank, Dr. Chawapol Jariyawiroj, President of Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., highlighted the impact of digital technology on alternative energy and its potential for driving economic growth. Dr. Chawapol stated that research suggests the average growth rate of the digital economy is 3-5 times higher than that of global gross domestic product (GDP). This indicates that digital technology will be a primary driver of economic growth in the future, and its role in achieving sustainable and intelligent development is crucial.
Sustainable development has become an increasingly important global trend, with a focus on two main approaches: digital transformation and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. In fact, 133 countries in 116 regions around the world have already made Net -Zero Carbon pledges, highlighting the ongoing urgency of addressing climate change. The energy industry in particular is undergoing an unprecedented transformation towards low carbonization and achieving carbon neutrality, and this is where digital technology can play a critical role.
The digital industry, including ICT, emits far less carbon dioxide than other industries, accounting for only 1.97% of global carbon dioxide emissions. By 2030, it is projected to reduce carbon emissions in the energy industry by up to 12,000 million tons, and increase the efficiency of reducing carbon emissions in other industries by 15% – 20%. For example, big data technology and the use of drones have reduced pesticide use by up to 20 times in Sweden, leading to more sustainable agriculture practices. Smart heating technology in Harbin, China, has also been successful in decreasing energy consumption by 12.5%. These examples demonstrate the significant potential of digital technology in driving sustainable development and addressing global challenges.
Huawei, as a global leader in renewable energy, is committed to realizing “Tech for a Better Planet” by integrating 5G, cloud, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with digital power to support smart and efficient power generation. One of Huawei’s key areas of focus is the solar energy sector in Thailand, which has highly abundant solar resources throughout the year. Dr. Chawapol pointed out that if 70% of the 12 million buildings and house roofs in Thailand deployed photovoltaic (PV) panels, the electricity produced could meet the entire energy consumption of the country. This highlights the immense potential of solar energy in Thailand and the role that Huawei can play in supporting its growth.
In Thailand, Huawei previously partnered with SEACON square for their digital power business. The 5MWp solar rooftop at SEACON Square is one of the largest solar farms installed on a shopping mall in Bangkok. The solar rooftop has been supplying electricity to SEACON Square since the beginning of 2021, resulting in electricity cost savings. Furthermore, the 5MWp solar rooftop has also helped reduce up to 4,000 tons of carbon emissions since the day it started operating, which is equivalent to planting around 5,464 trees. This project is a significant step towards driving Thailand towards an era of carbon neutrality.
Huawei is not only using digital power technology to enable Thailand’s carbon neutrality, but also to protect the environment. In Malaysia, 60% of the state of Sarawak is covered by tropical rainforests, forming the oldest and most pristine tropical rainforest in the world at 140 million years old. However, logging, deforestation, and plantations are threatening the rainforest and its biodiversity. If the rainforest remains unprotected, Sarawak could disappear within 100 years. Huawei’s solution was to install “Guardian” acoustic sensors in the rainforest to monitor illegal deforestation activity in real time, including chainsaws and motor vehicles, as well as to capture data on animal behavior patterns. The audio data is uploaded to the cloud over a communications network where it is then analyzed by AI and forwarded to rangers via the RFCx mobile app. After receiving these threat alerts, rangers can quickly go to the locations where the threats are occurring. At present, the project has covered about 30 square kilometers of protected land in Sarawak with rangers intercepting several illegal logging incidents.
“Huawei is committed to accelerating clean energy growth in Thailand by promoting commercial and residential smart PV installation. To this end, we are honored to form a robust alliance with Kasikorn Bank, a leading financial solutions provider, to provide ‘green loans’ for solar panels installations. Huawei aims to support 30,000 projects over the next three years, which will reduce carbon emissions by 265,000 tons. Huawei will further support 500 organizations in Thailand to train up to 10,000 talents in digital energy to promote sustainability and increase GDP. As a leading partner in green energy, ICT solutions, and digitalization, Huawei will continue to drive innovation and support renewable energy through collaboration with government agencies and industry partners to help build a better world. Together we will bring digital to every person, home, and organization for a fully connected, intelligent, and low-carbon Thailand that drives global sustainability.” Dr. Chawapol concluded.