October 20, 2023 – Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University and Mr. Sinon Vongkusolkit, Chief Executive Officer of Banpu NEXT Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Banpu PCL, signed an MOU for collaboration that aims to utilize battery energy storage systems such as sodium-ion batteries – the UVOLT brand of Khon Kaen University. It is expected that the collaboration will enhance the growth of clean energy businesses and the use of domestic resources and at the same time respond to the demand for batteries in Thailand and the Asia Pacific. The signing ceremony took place at Sarasin Room, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University said that one mission of Khon Kaen University is to build innovations that upgrade the quality of life of Thai people, which also drives forward the country to become the center for the world energy center, with strength and sustainability in energy. The UVOLT brand is the brand produced by the Battery and New Energy Factory of Khon Kaen University. The factory developed and manufactures different batteries such as lithium-ion and sodium-ion, which are of the international standard. This demonstrates the success as a sustainable new-era energy source.
Assoc. Prof. Nonglak Meethong, Director of the Battery and New Energy Factory of Khon Kaen University
“In 2012, researchers of Khon Kaen University produced the sodium-ion batteries from rock salt, which is abundant in the country. It marked the history as the first in this production that was under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Nonglak Meethong, Director of the Battery and New Energy Factory of Khon Kaen University and her research team. This development stimulated the promotion of alternative energy and battery industry all through the value chains of the country, for the sodium-ion batteries are cheaper than lithium-ion, and charging is also quick and safe, making them suitable for use as the energy storage source for industries and household use. From this development, we were able to strengthen the energy circle of the country by reducing import of raw materials and rely of the raw material available in the country. We are also able to establish the center of the new-era energy center for the world population in the future,” said KKU President.
Mr. Sinon Vongkusolkit, Chief Executive Officer of Banpu NEXT Co., Ltd. said, “Banpu Next is a subsidiary of Banpu PCL. We are a leading smart energy solutions provider in Asia-Pacific. With reference to the past collaboration between Khon Kaen University and Beyond Green, a leader of full-cycle multipurpose e-vehicles, with whom Banpu Next invested in the study and development of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries for electric golf vehicle; the company is joining with Khon Kaen University to expand the battery business from electric vehicles (EV) to other clean energy solutions, including stationary applications and use with the solar system. As a result, the demand of batteries in Thailand and Asia-Pacific can be met, with market competition opportunities and advantages related to prices. Moreover, we are able to present clean and full-cycle energy solutions to our customers by installing solar system with batteries and other solutions that meet the needs of the customers. We are ready to support the business development and collaborate in utilizing the expertise and potentiality of Khon Kaen University in development of the battery and promotion of Thai products into the international market.”
News: Jiraporn Pratomchai
