At the heart of sustainability, renewable energy isn’t just a buzzword but a lifeline to a greener tomorrow. In this vibrant narrative, renewable energy plays a pivotal role for not just mitigating climate change but providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The heartbeat of this story? A solar powered water pump that provides sufficient water supply to the new office, processing plant and training centre that are developing in FTS Organic Amnat Charoen Community Enterprise Network in Thailand. The aim is to use the solar panel to supply the energy for the water pump, which will pump the water from groundwater well. The initiative brought positive outcomes to 590 families belonging from the organization.
“The solar water pump will be beneficial for the group in terms of water supply for our new rice mill, office, greenhouse and training centre. I am happy that the group will have these sustainable water systems.” – Mrs. Bang-orn Duangdok.
The executed activities involved a series of strategic steps: upon securing the necessary funds, they sought municipal approval to drill a groundwater well. Subsequently, a professional driller was hired to explore and drill the negative well, reaching a depth of 60 meters with a 6-inch diameter. Modifications were made to the water system construction, departing from the initial plan. Opting for a more sustainable approach, they decided to ground-install the water tank, utilizing a pressure pump powered by solar energy to draw water from the well and efficiently distribute it to the facilities. A barn, designed
to house the water tank and function as a control room, is being constructed, with solar panels adorning its roof.
This project had tremendous impact as follows:
1. The processing facility unit has been significantly enhanced through the provision of ample water supply for herb and spice processing, accompanied by the implementation of alternative energy sources.
2. Embracing climate change mitigation strategies, the organization has also installed solar panels and systems, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly source of electricity for the long-term operation of the herb and spice production unit.
Stored in tanks, water will be efficiently distributed to all facilities using solar energy. Groundwater will be replenished during the rainy season to maintain a consistent level over time. This multifaceted approach not only reduces electricity consumption and the production costs but also mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, fostering increased productivity without depleting groundwater resources. This initiative reflects Fairtrade’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices.
“The group will have enough water supply by using this clean energy water pump, and we can reduce the cost of electricity for the group.” – Mr. Seth Thinowong.
