Swedish solar energy company, Midsummer, has entered into a collaboration with Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok to advance climate-positive architecture and renewable energy integration in Thailand. Just launched is the world’s first carbon-negative bus shelter that can be used for lighting, fans, mobile charging and digital traffic guiding systems.
“This is a prime example of future energy generation in urban environments: smart, small-scale and distributed solar energy, utilizing existing and new infrastructure like roofs facades and vehicles to bring clean electricity directly the users. It is being enabled by Midsummer’s light and durable thin film solar panels that are ideal for these purposes,” said Lars Svensson, Representative of Midsummer Siam and Head of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development ASEAN for Midsummer .
The MoU between the parties covers collaboration on renewable energy integration, sustainable architecture, low-carbon construction systems and climate-positive urban development in Thailand. It will also explore how advanced renewable energy technologies and sustainable building systems can contribute to Thailand’s decarbonization ambitions and future urban transformation.
The bus shelter prototype combines engineered wood construction — functioning as a long-term carbon sink — with fully integrated lightweight thin-film solar panels from Midsummer. The integrated solar roof generates renewable electricity that can be used for lighting, fans, mobile charging and digital traffic guiding systems while demonstrating new possibilities for climate-positive public infrastructure adapted to tropical urban environments.
The initiative serves as a research, innovation and demonstration platform exploring how architecture, renewable energy and sustainable materials can be integrated into future low-carbon city systems.
“This collaboration demonstrates how universities can serve as platforms for real-world sustainability innovation. By integrating architectural design, renewable energy, and sustainable materials, we can explore new urban solutions that respond to both climate and societal needs. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok, the Embassy of Japan in Bangkok, and all partners for joining Thailand on its journey toward a more sustainable future of living.”
