AIS, Gulf will deliver solar energy to remote…

Thai mobile operator AIS has struck a solar power deal for off-grid base stations with a subsidiary of its largest shareholder Gulf Energy Development, which aims to expand network coverage to remote areas while lowering electricity costs.

In a statement, the operator noted that its board had approved a purchase and build agreement with Gulf1 Co for off-grid solar projects involving 20 base stations. The transaction value is THB 23.3 billion ($633.6 million), and construction of the facilities is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

AIS added that the project is part of the sustainable business program, which assumes increasing the share of renewable energy by 501.23 MWh per year and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 300.03 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). The company has set a goal of increasing the use of renewable energy to 5 percent of total energy consumption.

Gulf Energy Development is the largest shareholder (46.6 percent) of Intouch Holdings, which holds a 40.4 percent stake in AIS.

GSMA Intelligence data showed AIS is the second-largest mobile player in Thailand with 45 million connections at the end of March, behind True Corp with 50.8 million.