Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), has delivered the innovative “KKUVOLT” portable solar power system with batteries. This system aims to enhance the energy capabilities of border operating bases, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote domestically produced technology for sustainable national security.
Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability at Khon Kaen University, along with Associate Professor Dr. Nongluk Meethong, Director of the Battery and Modern Energy Factory, and a team of engineers, visited the Neun 350 Operating Base of the Suranaree Task Force at Weerawat Yothin Camp, Surin Province, on March 4, 2026. The purpose of the visit was to prepare and survey the site for the installation of the portable solar power system with batteries, supported by EGAT.
Subsequently, on March 18, 2026, an official handover ceremony for the system took place at the Neun 350 Operating Base. High-ranking executives from both the security and energy sectors attended, including Lieutenant General Adul Boontamcharoen, Deputy Minister of Defense, and Mr. Atthapol Rerkpipat, Minister of Energy, along with executives from EGAT, Khon Kaen University, and other relevant agencies.
Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability at Khon Kaen University (in a black long-sleeved shirt, standing center), stated that this project integrates the university’s knowledge in clean energy to meet practical demands in challenging areas, particularly border regions of national security importance. “The university aims to develop innovations that are practical, help reduce energy costs, increase operational continuity, and enhance the quality of life for personnel in the area.”
Associate Professor Dr. Nongluk Meethong, Director of the Battery and Modern Energy Factory (speaking), added that local manufacturing is a crucial aspect of the project. It reduces risks associated with relying on imported equipment and allows for complete control over production standards. “The developed system not only addresses energy needs but also considers data security and the stability of electronic systems, ensuring confident use in operational areas.”
The project aims to enhance energy security in border areas, which face limitations in infrastructure and access to electricity, as well as difficulties in transporting fuel for generators. The portable solar power system with batteries thus serves as a vital alternative, reducing energy risks, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting the use of clean energy in operational areas.
Associate Professor Dr. Nongluk Meethong also had the opportunity to exchange ideas on energy technology development for security missions with high-ranking military executives. This emphasized the importance of developing and producing technology domestically (Local Manufacturing) to reduce the risks of relying on foreign security equipment. This approach allows for full control and inspection of the entire production process, mitigating the risk of malicious electronic devices being embedded, which could be used for unauthorized tracking or data access. Furthermore, it instills confidence that the electronic systems within the power generation and energy storage systems will not be easily interfered with, signal jammed, or controlled externally, enabling personnel to operate confidently, safely, and continuously in security operational areas.
In addition, the strengths of domestic development and production are reflected in delivery readiness and after-sales service, from readily available products in the country, fast on-site delivery and service, to a support system for equipment failure during the warranty period. This helps reduce system downtime and increase system continuity. Concurrently, domestic maintenance can be carried out by experts with advanced testing tools, supporting both component-level repairs and system restoration. This differs from imported equipment, which often relies on foreign manufacturers, and in some cases, if damaged, may not be able to be sent for repair or returned, leading to the discontinuation of the entire set, which is inconsistent with the concept of a Circular Economy. Meanwhile, the domestic approach helps extend the lifespan and concretely reduce waste.
The Mobile Power Station ENGY PLUS 3000 is an innovation developed by the research and engineering team of KKUVOLT, Khon Kaen University. It is designed to support usage in fieldwork and remote areas, providing a maximum power output of 3.6 kilowatts and an energy capacity of 3 kilowatt-hours. It supports both solar energy and general electrical systems. The system is currently undergoing testing according to military standards (MIL-STD) in collaboration with the Research and Development Office of the Royal Thai Army (RDO, RTA) to enhance the country’s energy security and concretely promote the use of domestically produced clean energy technology.
This collaboration reflects Khon Kaen University’s role as a leader in clean energy innovation, capable of applying knowledge in challenging areas, addressing both energy security and sustainable development for the country.
News: Benjamaporn Mamook
Information/Image: KKUVOLT Battery and New-Era Energy Factory, Khon Kaen University
