GULF and Chula Engineering Team Up for a Clean Energy Education Boot Camp,Envi Mission 2023
Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GULF) supports the boot camp for Envi Mission 2023, a project with a mission to promote an environmental conservation with creative solutions. Now in its fourth year, the project is titled “Decode the Pipeline: Electrify the Future” and hosted by the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University in collaboration with the Chulalongkorn University Radio Station. GULF supported the activity by providing a knowledge station on renewable energy for the participating students in their exploratory projects. The activity also incorporates a fun virtual cycling activity in which participants can ride a virtual bicycle to collect biomass fuel, thereby enhancing their understanding of biofuel crops. This initiative aligns with GULF’s goals to empower the youth, advocate for science education, bring forth awareness, and support environmental conservation.
Mr. Smith Banomyong, GULF’s Chief Asset Management & Investment Officer, participated as a guest speaker at the opening seminar of the Envi Mission 2023 in June this year. He presented an overview of the electricity business, discussed the types of fuels used in power generation, detailed possible roadmaps towards clean energy transition, and outlined GULF’s business strategy in adopting more renewable energy by increasing the proportion of renewable in its investment portfolio. Subsequently, during Envi Mission’s Boot Camp, GULF had the opportunity to impart additional insights on biomass energy in order to help students develop a holistic understanding of clean energy.
The 3-day boot camp took place at the Centre of Learning Network for Region (CLNR) of Chulalongkorn University in Saraburi province, where 20 teams of students from across the country were able to delved deeper into the world of energy, energy supply innovations, and integration of environmental management. With energy experts stationed at each base, GULF delegated an engineer representative from the Nong Saeng power plant to provide knowledge about the biomass power generation process, as well as to offer advice and answer any questions the students had about the electricity generation.
Mr. Ponthep Lhaoin, Kaeng Khoi School, shared, “Participating in GULF’s knowledge base has given me fresh ideas about biomass energy for my family’s agricultural practice, especially after learning more about biofuel crops. I will share this information with them in hopes of integrating these insights to cultivate valuable energy crops and potentially sell them to power plants in order to generate additional income to my family.”
Mr. Thanathip Sriwa-Urai, Kaeng Khoi School, stated, “I recently took part in GULF’s power plant tour at the Uthai power plant and acquired unique sets of knowledge from these two different locations. I plan on applying the knowledge gained about biomass energy from today’s activity into my community power plant initiative, which I hope will further benefit local residents in my area.”
Mr. Kirapol Uthiya, Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Chiang Rai, shared, “Currently, I am working on an initiative to improve the efficiency of solar cell technology. After participating in this GULF knowledge base, my understanding of biomass power plants deepened, especially after witnessing the simulation of power generation. I believe these principles could be implemented further and widen my horizon in power generation technology. I am grateful GULF and the staff for equipping me with knowledge that I can build upon and refine in my goals to sharpen my engineering skills further in the future.”
Dr. Nattawin Chawaloesphonsiya, Director of Industrial Liaison Program (ILP), Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, stated, “The Envi Mission Program seeks to educate secondary school students by combining engineering science and technology into implementation of projects that aim to solve local environmental issues. This year’s theme centers around energy, and the 3-day boot camp was structured to educate students about topics such as carbon footprint and climate change. Additionally, a design thinking workshop was included to help students work on fine-tuning their ideas to become more practical. We truly appreciate the support from philanthropic players in the private sector, such as GULF, who not only financially contributed to the operational budget but also offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise, enabling knowledge mastery in students as they get to learn directly from professionals and energy experts. We believe the new information from this learning experience can help bring their projects to reality. We look forward to continuously support and foster activities that allow them to address and solve environmental challenges in the community for a more sustainable future.”
GULF recognizes the importance of conserving the environment and is committed to spearheading initiatives that encompasses environmental protection, youth education, and uplifting the well-being of the society, all encapsulated in the “IMPACT” concept (Infrastructure, Medical Services, Productivity, Activity, Conservation, Teaching & Learning). As a result, GULF has been educating the next generation about energy sources and conservation through the “Wind and Water Detectives” youth environment program for schools located nearby the power plants and the surrounding areas, and through the “GULF Sparks Energy” project in Nong Khai and Loei province. GULF’s dedication in these efforts is set to bring forth awareness among local residents and students about energy supply, renewable energy trends in the era of energy transition, while instilling the culture of energy-preservation and environmental conservatism among Thai students.
For more information and updates, please visit GULF Spark Facebook fanpage at https://www.facebook.com/GulfSPARK.TH/ and Gulf Energy Development Facebook fanpage at https://www.facebook.com/GulfEnergyDevelopment
Source: Gulf Energy Development