SET-listed Energy Absolute (EA), a renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) developer and operator, is expanding its EV business into the medical sector, with the aim of making a state-run hospital run on clean energy.
"We are discussing which hospital will be selected to be a pilot 'green and clean' hospital," said Amorn Sapthaweekul, deputy chief executive of EA, after the company announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Department of Medical Services (DMS) to make its hospitals more eco-friendly.
The department currently oversees more than 30 hospitals nationwide.
The DMS not only wants to ensure good medical treatment for the public but also supports the use of clean energy at its hospitals, Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, chief of the DPS, said earlier during the signing of the MoU.
Under the MoU, EA and the department will jointly study and develop a plan to install rooftop solar panels at the hospital.
They will also use an energy storage system to ensure a steady supply of renewable energy if the solar modules are not able to generate electricity.
EA and the department also agreed to design and assemble an EV to serve the medical operations of the hospital in various areas.
Their cooperation follows the company's greater emphasis on its EV business and the government's plan to better manage energy usage among state agencies.
The cabinet resolved on March 22 last year to encourage government agencies to reduce electricity and oil usage by 20% and consider installing rooftop solar panels in cooperation with the business sector.
Mr Amorn said EA expects to earn 40 billion baht this year, representing 45% growth over 2022. Up to 50% of total earnings will come from the EV business while the other half would be generated by the firm's biofuel, power generation and battery businesses.
The company plans to deliver 2,000 electric buses to customers this year.
EA also plans to expand its fleet of battery-run boats by increasing the number in operation to 44, up from 27 at present.
The company launched a commercial electric boat service along a section of Chao Phraya River from Phra Nangklao Bridge pier in Nonthaburi to Taksin Bridge pier in Bangkok in 2021.
EA will allocate a budget of 10 billion baht in 2023 to grow its businesses. The largest portion, accounting for 6 billion baht, will be spent on the development of the firm's battery and EV assembly plants.