Chow Steel Industries PCL is a Thai company that has been operating since 1978. The company is known for its expertise in steel fabrication and construction, with a focus on infrastructure projects such as bridges, high-rise buildings, and power plants. However, in recent years, the company has expanded its business to include renewable energy projects, particularly in the solar sector.

Chow Steel Industries PCL has recognized the growing demand for renewable energy in Thailand and has made a strategic decision to invest in this sector. The company has established a subsidiary, Chow Energy, which is responsible for developing and managing its renewable energy projects. Chow Energy's primary focus is on solar energy, and the company has been actively developing solar projects across Thailand.

One of Chow Energy's most significant solar projects is the 36 MW solar power plant in Lopburi province, which was commissioned in 2016. The project is one of the largest solar power plants in Thailand and is expected to generate over 50 million kWh of electricity annually. The Lopburi solar power plant is equipped with over 140,000 solar panels, and the electricity generated is sold to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) under a 25-year power purchase agreement.

Chow Energy has also developed several other solar projects across Thailand, including a 5 MW solar power plant in Chiang Mai province and a 2 MW solar power plant in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The company has plans to expand its solar portfolio and is currently developing several new projects, including a 20 MW solar power plant in Surin province and a 30 MW solar power plant in Chaiyaphum province.

In addition to solar energy, Chow Energy is also exploring other renewable energy sources, such as wind and biomass. The company has conducted feasibility studies for wind power projects in several provinces, including Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Chiang Mai. Chow Energy is also exploring the potential for biomass energy, particularly in the form of biogas from agricultural waste.

Chow Energy's renewable energy projects are not only beneficial for the environment but also for the local communities where they are located. The company has implemented several initiatives to support the communities surrounding its solar power plants. For example, in Lopburi province, Chow Energy has established a scholarship program for local students and has provided funding for the construction of a new school building. The company has also supported local farmers by providing them with land to grow crops and implementing irrigation systems to improve their yields.

Chow Steel Industries PCL's expansion into renewable energy is not only driven by a desire to contribute to a more sustainable future but also by the potential for growth in this sector. The Thai government has set a target of generating 20% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2036, and there are several incentives available for companies investing in renewable energy. For example, companies that invest in solar energy projects are eligible for a 50% reduction in corporate income tax for up to five years.

Chow Energy's success in the renewable energy sector is also due to the company's expertise in engineering and construction. The company's experience in steel fabrication and construction has been invaluable in the development of its solar power plants, as it has enabled the company to design and construct the necessary infrastructure for these projects.

In conclusion, Chow Steel Industries PCL's expansion into renewable energy, particularly in the solar sector, has been a strategic decision that has positioned the company for growth in a rapidly expanding sector. The company's expertise in engineering and construction, combined with its commitment to sustainability and community development, has enabled it to successfully develop and manage several solar power plants across Thailand. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, Chow Energy's portfolio of renewable energy projects is likely to expand, further cementing the company's position as a leader in the Thai renewable energy sector.