TIBD Joins Visionary Dialogue with KAPI, Kasetsart University and the E3T Alliance Network to Advance “Solar Greenhouse” Technology for Sustainable High-Value Agriculture
On March 9, 2026, at the Kasetsart Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Product Improvement Institute (KAPI), Kasetsart University, a strategic meeting was convened between university executives and representatives from the E3T Alliance network. The E3T Alliance is a collaborative network dedicated to advancing environmental and sustainable technology initiatives, serving in this context as a representative of the JP Group—comprising the Tanba Regional Social Systems Research Foundation and the Japan Agricultural (JA) Farmers’ Association.
The objective of the meeting was to exchange strategic perspectives on enhancing Thailand’s capacity to cultivate high-value crops for commercial production and export. Advanced technologies were discussed as key enablers to strengthen the competitiveness of Thailand’s agricultural sector at the international level.
The executive-level meeting was honored by the participation of Associate Professor Dr. Krit Wanin, Vice President for Innovation and Social Engagement, Kasetsart University. He joined the discussion to explore potential academic collaborations, alignment with the University’s strategic direction, and the long-term scalability of the proposed initiatives. He also provided valuable policy-level insights to support the sustainable advancement of Thailand’s agricultural sector.
On this occasion, TIBD participated as a specialist in technology development and commercialization, contributing perspectives on business feasibility, market expansion, and the integration of innovation into sustainable industrial ecosystems.
Solar Greenhouse Technology and the Light Separation Model Concept
The morning session focused on the presentation of the Solar Greenhouse technology under the Light Separation Model concept—an advanced solar-powered greenhouse system designed to enhance the cultivation efficiency of high-value crops such as matcha and strawberries.
This technology enables selective optimization of light wavelengths to support photosynthesis, while simultaneously converting excess thermal energy into renewable power. It represents an integrated innovation that effectively bridges agriculture and energy, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable agricultural development.
The academic discussion was further enriched by the participation of Associate Professor Dr. Piya Kittipadakul, Faculty Member of the Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, and a specialist in plant breeding. He provided valuable insights on the potential application of the technology within the Thai agricultural context, outlining the overall landscape of Thai farming systems and assessing the readiness of local farmers to transition toward advanced agricultural technologies.
In addition, representatives from the private sector and other domain experts contributed perspectives on industrial scalability, commercial viability, and future development pathways, reinforcing the multi-sectoral dialogue surrounding the project’s long-term potential.
From Tanba’s Experience to Advancing High-Value Crops in Thailand
Knowledge exchange with the Tanba Regional Social System Research Foundation and the Tanba Matcha Project Development Committee in Japan highlighted a crucial insight: the success of cultivating high-value crops such as premium-grade matcha does not rely solely on controlling light intensity, but on the precise management of light spectrum composition.
Scientific understanding in plant physiology, particularly the regulation of light within the 400–700 nanometer rangeknown as Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) plays a critical role in photosynthesis, amino acid accumulation, and ultimately the flavor profile and quality of the crop.
These insights provide a foundational framework for designing Solar Greenhouse systems tailored to Thailand’s unique context. Unlike temperate regions, Thailand’s hot and humid tropical climate requires advanced spectral and environmental management strategies to ensure optimal plant performance and sustainable high-value crop production.
Site Visit on Applied Research and Innovation
In the afternoon at 1:30 PM, representatives from the E3T Alliance and the JA Group conducted a site visit to the Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University. The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Pattama Thongkok, Lecturer in Plant Tissue Culture, Department of Fisheries Biology, who provided an in-depth briefing on ongoing research initiatives. Among the highlights was the cultivation of seagrass through tissue culture techniques, aimed at marine conservation and the restoration of degraded coastal ecosystems.
The visit offered the delegation firsthand exposure to the University’s academic expertise, research infrastructure, and proactive innovation capabilities. These insights will serve as valuable reference points in assessing the feasibility and direction of potential future collaborations.
A Significant Step Toward the Next Era of Thai Agriculture
The E3T Solar Greenhouse concept represents far more than the installation of solar panels on greenhouse rooftops. It embodies the design of an integrated food energy production system one that is climate-resilient and capable of meeting the demands of premium international markets.
The discussions and site visit reflected a shared commitment to connecting knowledge, advanced technologies, and international collaboration networks in order to elevate Thailand’s agricultural sector toward a more efficient and sustainable model. The exchange of perspectives among academia, international partners, and cross-sector stakeholders marks an important milestone in laying the groundwork for future cooperation.
This initiative aims to advance solar-powered greenhouse innovation and next-generation agricultural technologies in ways that deliver tangible economic and environmental benefits for Thailand in the years ahead.
