The Group sets out Six Major Leaps and five doubling targets, with RMB 600 billion in revenue and 1.5 million overseas sales in its sights for 2030.

CHONGQING, China, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Changan Group held its Global Strategy Launch and Global Partner Conference in Chongqing on April 21, 2026, presenting its “1+4+4+5” strategic framework to around 700 delegates. The strategy reinforces and advances the Group’s Vast Ocean Plan, with a clear ambition: to enter the global automotive top ten and reach RMB 600 billion in revenue by 2030.

The “1+4+4+5” strategy is built around one vision: to build a world-class automotive group with global competitiveness and homegrown core technologies. It consists of four business pillars: vehicles, components, services, and next-generation ecosystem industries; and four transformation priorities: intelligence, green development, globalization, and integration.

Guided by a two-step, ten-year roadmap, the Group targets five doublings by 2030: new energy vehicle (NEV) sales, overseas vehicle sales, total revenue, total profit, and brand value. Specific 2030 goals include 2.4 million NEV sales, 1.5 million overseas vehicle sales, RMB 600 billion in revenue, and RMB 200 billion in brand value, earning Changan a place among the world’s Top 500 Influential Brands.

“Today we are entering a remarkable new era shaped by profound change and unprecedented opportunity. Every transformation creates the conditions for a new generation of world class enterprises. Changan Group will stay committed to co-development and shared prosperity, working with our industry partners with one purpose and one direction, side by side as we move forward.”
— Zhu Huarong, Chairman, Changan Group

Six Major Leaps

To drive the strategy, Changan defined Six Major Leaps, each representing a measurable shift:

The Experience Leap marks a shift from single-domain smart driving to full-vehicle intelligence powered by SDA Intelligence.

The Power Leap moves from traditional energy to green and high-efficiency solutions, striving for carbon peak by 2027.

The Scale Leap expands multi-source growth by doubling NEV and overseas sales.

The Ecosystem Leap upgrades from “large industry, small ecosystem” to “large industry, large ecosystem.”

The System Leap shifts from traditional management to modern global governance.

The Value Leap pushes full transition to an intelligent, low-carbon mobility technology company.

Globalization: Three Major Plans

Under the strategy, Changan advances three key plans: the Green Plan, the Intelligent Plan, and the Vast Ocean Plan. Together, they accelerate its evolution into a leader in intelligent, low-carbon mobility technologies.

The Green Plan strengthens core NEV technologies and embeds sustainability across the vehicle lifecycle. The Intelligent Plan delivers ultra-safe intelligent mobility solutions.

The Vast Ocean Plan pushes for comprehensive brand and industrial globalization, guided by long-term development, localization, systematization and integrated ESG principles.

Foundations

The strategy rests on strong foundations. In 2025, Changan Group sold 2.913 million vehicles, up 8.5% year-on-year, with NEV sales exceeding 1.1 million units. It has ranked first in China’s National Enterprise Technology Center assessment for 14 consecutive years. Its 24,000-strong global R&D team holds 20,935 patents (71% invention patents) and contributed to 408 industry standards.

Changan operates in 118 countries through 1,124 outlets, with 22 overseas manufacturing bases and 350,000 units of annual capacity. In March 2026, it achieved monthly overseas sales of over 100,000 units for the first time. With solid progress and clear goals, Changan Group is moving steadily toward its 2030 global ambitions.

Website: www.globalchangan.com 
X (Twitter): @globalchangan 
Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and TikTok: @changanautomobile

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SOURCE Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd.

NEWARK, Del., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — According to the latest analysis by Future Market Insights, the global absorption chiller market is witnessing steady and structurally significant growth, driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions, expanding district cooling infrastructure, and rising adoption of waste heat recovery systems. As industries and commercial facilities prioritize decarbonization and operational efficiency, absorption chillers are emerging as a strategic alternative to conventional electric cooling technologies.

Get detailed market forecasts, competitive benchmarking, and pricing trends: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1584

Quick Stats: Absorption Chiller Market (2026–2036)

Market Size (2026): USD 1.88 BillionForecast Value (2036): USD 2.98 BillionCAGR (2026–2036): 4.7%Incremental Opportunity: USD 1.10 BillionLeading Technology Segment: Double-Stage (85.4% share)Dominant Absorber Type: Lithium Bromide (92.5% share)Key Growth Regions: India, China, Middle East, North AmericaPrimary Applications: District Cooling, Industrial Process Cooling, Commercial Buildings

Market Size, Forecast & Growth Outlook

The absorption chiller market was valued at USD 1.80 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.88 billion in 2026, expanding further to USD 2.98 billion by 2036 at a CAGR of 4.7%.

Growth is primarily fueled by increasing integration of thermal energy systems, where waste heat, solar thermal energy, or cogeneration exhaust is utilized as a low-cost energy source for cooling.

India leads growth with a CAGR of 5.4%, driven by district cooling mandates and industrial energy efficiency initiativesChina follows at 4.6%, supported by infrastructure expansion and energy efficiency targetsCanada (4.2%) and Japan (4.0%) reflect stable adoption in mature markets

This trajectory highlights the market’s transition toward energy-integrated cooling systems that align with global sustainability goals.

Demand Drivers: Decarbonization, Waste Heat Utilization & Regulatory Push

The absorption chiller market is strongly influenced by environmental regulations and energy optimization strategies.

Primary Growth Drivers

Building Energy Efficiency Mandates: Increasing regulatory pressure to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissionsDistrict Cooling Expansion: Rising investments in centralized cooling infrastructure, particularly in high-temperature regionsWaste Heat Recovery Adoption: Industrial facilities leveraging exhaust heat to generate cooling capacityLow-GWP Refrigerant Transition: Compliance with global agreements promoting eco-friendly refrigerants

Absorption chillers offer a compelling value proposition by utilizing waste heat instead of electricity, significantly reducing operational costs and emissions.

Technology Landscape: Efficiency and Sustainability at the Core

The market is defined by technology configurations optimized for performance and energy utilization:

Double-Stage Absorption Chillers (85.4% share):
Lead the market due to higher efficiency and better performance at elevated temperaturesLithium Bromide Systems (92.5% share):
Dominate due to superior absorption efficiency and reliability in large-scale applicationsEmerging Trend:
Increasing adoption of solar-thermal-driven absorption systems in high-insolation regions

These systems are particularly effective in applications where continuous thermal energy availability aligns with cooling demand.

Supply Chain Dynamics: Integrated Energy Ecosystem

Upstream

Heat source providers (cogeneration systems, industrial exhaust, solar thermal)Component manufacturers (heat exchangers, pumps, control systems)

Midstream (OEMs)

Key manufacturers include:

Thermax LtdShuangliang Eco-Energy Systems Co. Ltd.Carrier CorporationTrane Inc.Johnson Controls

These companies focus on system integration, efficiency optimization, and lifecycle services.

Downstream

District cooling developersIndustrial facilitiesCommercial real estate developers

Pricing Trends & Value Proposition

Absorption chillers operate within a value-based pricing model:

Higher upfront costs compared to electric chillersSignificantly lower lifecycle costs when waste heat is availableIncreasing ROI driven by energy savings and regulatory compliance

The key purchasing decision factor is total cost of ownership (TCO) rather than initial capital expenditure.

Access the Complete Report in PDF Format: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/brochure/rep-gb-1584

Segment Analysis: High-Efficiency Systems Drive Demand

By Technology

Double-stage systems dominate due to superior coefficient of performanceSingle-stage systems cater to smaller or lower-temperature applications

By Absorber Type

Lithium bromide leads due to high efficiency and reliabilityAmmonia-based systems serve niche industrial applications

By Application

District cooling and commercial buildings lead adoptionIndustrial process cooling is a fast-growing segment

Regional Analysis: Growth Anchored in Energy Transition

Asia Pacific (High Growth)

India and China drive demand through infrastructure and industrial expansionStrong adoption of district cooling and waste heat recovery

North America

Growth supported by data center expansion and sustainability initiatives

Japan

Mature market with established cogeneration infrastructure

Middle East

High adoption driven by extreme climate conditions and district cooling projects

Competitive Landscape: Efficiency, Integration & Service Define Leadership

The market is moderately consolidated, with competition based on:

Efficiency at varying thermal inputsIntegration with district cooling systemsAftermarket services and maintenance capabilities

Key Players

Thermax LtdShuangliang Eco-Energy Systems Co. Ltd.Carrier CorporationTrane Inc.Johnson Controls

Companies are increasingly investing in R&D, renewable integration, and advanced control systems to enhance competitiveness.

Risks & Market Constraints

High initial capital investmentComplex integration with thermal energy infrastructureCompetition from advanced electric chillersMaintenance requirements and operational complexity

Investment Opportunities & Future Outlook

The absorption chiller market presents long-term opportunities in:

Solar-powered absorption cooling systemsIndustrial waste heat recovery integrationDistrict cooling infrastructure expansionSmart energy management and hybrid cooling systems

Buy Report: Unlock 360° insights for strategic decision making and investment planning: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/1584

Future Outlook (2036)

By 2036, absorption chillers will become a critical component of integrated energy systems, particularly in regions prioritizing decarbonization and energy efficiency. The market will increasingly align with renewable energy integration and circular energy utilization models.

Strategic Takeaway for Decision-Makers

The absorption chiller market is not just an HVAC segment—it is an energy strategy solution. Organizations that integrate cooling systems with thermal energy infrastructure will unlock significant cost and sustainability advantages.

As global industries move toward low-carbon, energy-efficient operations, absorption chillers will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable cooling.

Related Reports:

Blast Chillers Market- https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/blast-chillers-market

Adsorption Chillers Market- https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/adsorption-chillers-market

Data Center Chillers Market- https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/data-center-chillers-market

About Future Market Insights (FMI) 

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An ESOMAR-certified research organization, FMI provides custom and syndicated market reports and consulting services, supporting both Fortune 1,000 companies and SMEs. Its team of 300+ experienced analysts ensures credible, data-driven insights to help clients navigate global markets and identify growth opportunities. 

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BANGKOK, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chulalongkorn University aims for carbon neutrality, promotes knowledge in nuclear energy and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, safer small-scale nuclear power plants with zero carbon emissions, preparing personnel to drive the nation toward energy security and enhance future economic competitiveness.

Many countries around the world are accelerating their transition toward carbon neutrality while simultaneously strengthening energy security. Solar, wind, and hydropower are clean energy sources that have attracted significant attention, with continuous advancements in technology. Another indispensable high-efficiency clean energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases is nuclear power. 

Today, the global nuclear energy trend is moving toward small nuclear power plants, or Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which feature more advanced technology, enhanced safety, and greater flexibility in deployment. At present, there are two operational SMRs in the world, located in China and Russia. However, within the next five years, additional SMRs are expected to be developed in several countries, including China, Russia, Canada, and the United States. 

For Thailand, the latest draft of Power Development Plan (PDP) 2024 mentions the consideration of SMRs as a future energy option. Thailand has long demonstrated readiness in terms of personnel and nuclear expertise, developed over several decades by the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, the only institution in Thailand that offers education in nuclear engineering. 

Half a Century of Thailand’s Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is not new to Thai society; rather, it has been around for over half a century. Assoc. Prof. Nares Chankow, a lecturer in the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, explained that Thailand began discussing nuclear energy as early as 1966. In 1967.  A ten-member subcommittee was formed to conduct a feasibility study in various aspects, including personnel training.  

“Early preparations for nuclear energy were carried out seriously and systematically. Several potential sites were surveyed, and the conclusion was to designate Ao Phai in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, as the location for Thailand’s first nuclear power plant. This plan was approved by the Atoms for Peace Committee, which was chaired by the Prime Minister at that time,” he said. 

This project is also regarded as the starting point for the establishment of the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. 

“In 1970, Chulalongkorn University established the Nuclear Engineering School, initially focusing on training personnel from the Office of Atoms for Peace. In 1971, professors from the United States assisted in developing the curriculum. By 1972, the university launched a Graduate Diploma program and a Master of Engineering program in Nuclear Technology. In the early period, before a formal department existed, the program was administratively housed within the Department of Sanitary Engineering—now known as the Department of Environmental Engineering and Sustainability. It was not until 1974 that the Department of Nuclear Technology was officially established, marking the beginning of nuclear engineering education in Thailand. The department was later renamed the Department of Nuclear Engineering to align with other departments within the Faculty of Engineering,” Assoc. Prof. Nares said. 

Over the past 50 years, the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, has played a key role in producing skilled personnel and continuously advancing knowledge in the field, even during periods when nuclear power plant projects were put on hold. 

“The key factor that first led to the slowdown of the project was the discovery of natural gas resources in the Gulf of Thailand around 1977. At the time, it was estimated that these natural gas reserves would last for at least 40 years, and even today, nearly 50 years later, they are still being utilized. As a result, the government decided to postpone nuclear power projects. Discussions about nuclear power plants tend to resurface periodically during times of energy crises.” 

In addition to the availability of natural gas, another major obstacle to nuclear power development has been public understanding and acceptance. This challenge has been intensified by news of major accidents at large-scale nuclear power plants, such as the Chernobyl nuclear reactor explosion in Ukraine in 1986, or more recently, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011, which was triggered by a tsunami. Such events heightened public fear and uncertainty, leading to stronger opposition to the construction of nuclear power plants. 

“Every time we are about to move forward with a project, an incident occurs that makes nuclear energy look bad—whether it’s Chernobyl or Fukushima. These events frighten people and cause projects to stall,” Assoc. Prof. Nares said, drawing a parallel with the criticism surrounding the Chula Tunnel, which has now been in use for over 40 years. “When the tunnel was first built, there was heavy criticism—people said it would be dangerous, that it would flood, that the road would collapse. Anything new, unfamiliar, or not well understood naturally causes fear. What we need to do is communicate accurate information about nuclear energy to the public as clearly as possible.” 

Small Modular Reactors (SMR): The Future of Energy Security  
Efforts by many countries around the world to achieve Net Zero targets have brought nuclear energy back into focus. This time, however, attention is not on large-scale nuclear power plants, such as those associated with past disasters and media headlines, but rather on a new hope for the global energy sector: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).  

“SMRs are modern nuclear power plants with a generating capacity of no more than 300 megawatts, which is much smaller than conventional nuclear power plants that typically have a capacity of around 1,000 megawatts,” explained Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon Rassame, Head of the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University.  

At present, there are only two SMR facilities in actual operation worldwide. The first is in Russia, where the reactors are installed on a ship with a total generating capacity of 2 × 35 megawatts and have been in operation since 2020. The second is in China, with a generating capacity of approximately 210 megawatts, supplying electricity to the public since 2021. 

“At present, there are several SMR power plant projects under construction. China, for example, is building one additional unit, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Canada has begun construction on four units, and the United States is preparing multiple sites for future construction,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon Rassame said. He anticipates that by the end of 2030, several SMRs will be in operation worldwide. 

As for Thailand, after signing the NDC 3.0 (Nationally Determined Contribution), a commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065, nuclear power projects have once again become a prominent topic in national development planning. 

In the country’s energy security master plan—the latest 2024 draft of Thailand’s Power Development Plan (PDP) prepared by the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO)—small nuclear power plants (Small Modular Reactors: SMRs) are being considered as a potential future option. The plan includes two SMR units, each with a capacity of approximately 300 megawatts, to be located in the northeastern and southern regions of Thailand, with operations expected to begin by 2037. 

“Due to pressure from the global community regarding carbon emissions, Thailand has very limited options. In the future, everyone will be closely scrutinized over where their electricity comes from; if it is still generated from carbon-emitting sources, additional carbon taxes will be imposed,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon Rassame said. “Relying solely on renewable energy may not yet be sufficient and poses risks to the country’s electricity security. Wind and solar power have limitations in terms of continuity, while the use of battery storage increases costs. Natural gas and coal still emit large amounts of carbon. As a result, Thailand must now turn to alternative energy sources that can ensure safety and produce no carbon emissions.” 

SMRs: A Leap Forward of Nuclear Technology for Enhanced Safety
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon noted that SMRs offer several advantages, the first of which is flexibility.  “If a large nuclear power plant is built, we must be confident that the area has sufficiently high electricity demand. However, SMRs can be built in medium-sized communities, on islands, or in industrial estates. Most importantly, SMRs allow additional generating units to be added in line with growing demand. For example, a project could begin with 100 megawatts in the first five years, and when demand increases, another 200 megawatts can be added. This offers greater flexibility and better supports economic growth than large power plants, which require a massive one-time investment.”  

The most significant advantage of SMRs is their newly developed safety systems. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon explained that nearly all SMR designs feature self-reliant safety systems that do not depend on external power supplies. Even in the event of a disaster or emergency where the plant will automatically shut down, the SMR’s safety systems will operate independently to safely bring the reactor to a halt. Emergency cooling in SMRs is also designed to be simpler and more self-sustaining, relying on natural cooling principles such as fluid circulation and gravity, rather than large volumes of coolant or water as required by large-scale plants. This significantly reduces the risk of reactor core meltdown and the release of radioactive materials into the environment, as occurred during the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan in 2011. 

3 Key Advantages of SMRs and Issues Requiring Careful Preparation
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon Rassame outlined the advantages of SMRs in three main points as follows:  

Safety: All 3 nuclear power plant accidents that have occurred worldwide involved plants built in the 1970s—more than 50 years ago. Since then, nuclear technology has advanced significantly. SMRs are equipped with passive safety systems that operate automatically without relying on external power sources. Even in the event of a disaster or power outage, the reactor can safely shut itself down. In addition, the smaller size of SMRs makes them easier to control and manage. Economics: The initial investment required for SMRs is lower than that for large-scale power plants, and they offer high flexibility. SMRs can be installed in remote areas, on islands, or in industrial estates that large power plants cannot easily reach. Moreover, generating units can be added according to demand, eliminating the need for a massive one-time investment. Environment: SMRs do not emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide throughout the operational lifetime of the plant. This helps Thailand achieve its Net Zero goals more quickly and effectively, while also providing a more reliable energy source than other forms of renewable energy. 

Although SMRs are smaller than conventional nuclear power plants, they still raise the same issue of radioactive waste. Therefore, Thailand needs to develop concrete plans for managing radioactive waste in the future in accordance with international standards, while also building public confidence that the country has safe, transparent, and verifiable systems for the storage and disposal of waste from SMRs.  

SMRs: Costs and Cost-Effectiveness  
One of the questions the public is most interested in is, “If SMRs are introduced, will electricity prices become cheaper?” 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon Rassame addressed this issue by saying, “SMRs are like any new product—much like when new smartphone models are first released. Naturally, the price will not be low at the beginning, but as more people use them, prices should decrease according to market mechanisms.”  

Importantly, he emphasized that cost-effectiveness should not be assessed based on price alone, but should also take into account several key advantages, including:  

Energy security – SMRs can generate electricity continuously 24 hours a day and are not dependent on weather conditions, unlike solar and wind energy.  Carbon-free electricity generation – This helps the country avoid carbon taxes and maintain its competitiveness in terms of economic growth and investment. Flexibility – SMRs can be installed in remote areas and allow generating capacity to be expanded in line with demand. 

ASEAN Moves Toward Nuclear Energy: Where Does Thailand Stand?  
“At present, there are only two SMRs in operation worldwide, with another four to five projects beginning construction. Thailand does not plan to deploy SMR nuclear power plants this year or next year; according to current plans, implementation would be around 12 years from now. By that time, it is expected that SMR adoption will have increased globally, leading to lower costs and more reasonable pricing, making them more competitive with other types of power plants.” 

Several neighboring countries are moving forward with nuclear energy projects in earnest. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon Rassame noted that Vietnam has made more progress in developing nuclear power plants than Thailand, largely due to strong government support and direct endorsement from its leader. Indonesia is also advancing seriously, having built a solid research foundation related to nuclear power over many years. The country has developed its own nuclear fuel and plans to commission its first nuclear power plant by 2032. Meanwhile, the Philippines has plans to construct nuclear power plants, including SMRs, by 2033–2034.  

“It is clear that many countries in this region are about 5 years ahead of Thailand. Therefore, if Thailand delays its decision to move forward with such projects, it will lose its competitive edge. This competition is not only about technology but also about the ability to attract investment. Countries that can produce clean, carbon-free energy are more likely to attract investors, especially in industries such as AI and data centers, which consume enormous amounts of electricity and require clean energy,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon explained.  

Chula as a Knowledge and Workforce Hub: Preparing for SMRs
Establishing a nuclear power plant is not a simple undertaking, especially for countries that have never had one before. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon Rassame explained that, according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards, countries without prior experience in nuclear power must spend at least 10–12 years on preparation. This readiness process must cover 19 key areas, such as: 1) human resources – sufficient numbers of well-trained engineers and experts; 2) laws and regulations – appropriate legal frameworks for regulation and oversight; 3) management planning – emergency preparedness plans and spent fuel management plans; 4) financing – clear financial support from the government. 

“Having a nuclear power plant is not easy—it’s not something you decide today and purchase tomorrow. A country must demonstrate its capabilities and gain acceptance from the international community, nuclear power plant businesses, and IAEA, showing that it is truly ready to implement an SMR nuclear power project. The Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, has long played a key role in preparing the country in the nuclear field, particularly through the development of skilled human resources.” 

“Whether or not there is a nuclear power plant project, the department continues to offer courses and conduct research. If we were to close the department or suspend teaching and research, the body of knowledge and expertise in nuclear engineering would be disrupted, and restarting would not be easy. Chulalongkorn University is a key institution for producing engineers, researchers, and specialists specifically in nuclear engineering. At present, many universities are beginning to show interest in establishing nuclear engineering programs, and Chulalongkorn University is ready to provide guidance and support in developing curricula to strengthen the country’s capacity for workforce development in nuclear power,” he said.  

At present, the department is involved in preparing the country for nuclear engineering readiness through multiple channels.  

Training programs – Short-term training courses of 18 hours are offered to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and several private energy companies. This year, approximately 3-4 courses have already been conducted, with about 50 participants per cohort. Graduate production – The department has offered bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in nuclear and radiation engineering since 1972. To date, several hundred students have graduated at the master’s and doctoral levels. Academic services – The department provides consultation to private companies and government agencies on site selection, suitability assessments, project planning, and the selection of appropriate technologies. 

Nuclear in Daily Life
Whether or not nuclear power plants are built, nuclear and radiation technologies have long been part of everyday life. Assoc. Prof. Nares explained this with several interesting examples, such as: 

Medical applications – King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital is equipped with a proton therapy machine that uses radiation to treat cancer. This technology can deliver highly precise radiation to targeted areas, minimizing damage to surrounding organs compared with conventional radiation therapy. Food and pharmaceutical industries – Gamma irradiation is used to sterilize a wide range of products, from herbal inhalers that are currently gaining popularity to fermented pork, fruits, exported animal feed, syringes, and saline IV tubes used in hospitals. All of these products must undergo irradiation to eliminate pathogens. Quality control – In beverage manufacturing plants, radiation is used to measure liquid levels in bottles to ensure consistent volumes. In military weapons factories, X-rays are used for quality inspection. Even some brands of toothpicks undergo irradiation to prevent contamination.  

“The Department of Nuclear Engineering at Chulalongkorn University has produced a large number of professionals who work across various industries. Therefore, even without nuclear power plants, nuclear knowledge is highly beneficial to society,” stated Assoc. Prof. Nares. 

Rare Earth Elements and Nuclear Technology  
Assoc. Prof. Nares further explained that another interesting dimension is the relationship between nuclear technology and rare earth elements, which are critical raw materials for modern technologies such as smartphones, electric vehicles, computer equipment, drones, and various electronic devices.  

“Rare earth elements often contain traces of radioactive materials, so nuclear techniques can be used for exploration and analysis. In addition, there are many nuclear-based techniques that can be applied to survey, identify, and quantify rare earth elements. In the past, the Office of Atoms for Peace had a rare earth minerals project and even designed a processing plant, but the project was halted. It is not too late to resume development, as rare earth minerals are extremely important for high-tech industries,” he said.  

Public Acceptance Is the Key to Success  
Although SMRs offer many advantages and align well with energy security needs and Net Zero goals, they also present challenges that must be addressed. These include the country’s clarity and commitment in moving forward with such projects, the establishment of regulatory organizations and legal frameworks, and the development of qualified personnel—particularly as current enrollment in nuclear engineering programs remains insufficient. Most importantly, public acceptance is a critical factor.  

The Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in 2011 may have reduced public acceptance of nuclear energy. However, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon Rassame observed that over the past 3-4 years, as more information about SMRs has been disseminated, public opinion on social media has begun to shift. Many people now view SMRs as a newer, more advanced, and safer technology, with younger generations in particular showing a growing willingness to accept this form of energy. 

“The role of educational institutions is to provide the public with clear and straightforward information about what this technology is, how it has been developed and improved, and how likely accidents are compared with nuclear power plants in the past. Institutions must present both the advantages and the limitations in a comprehensive manner. Once the public has been fully informed, the decision belongs to the people, and we must all accept the outcome,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somboon concluded.  

“I would like to urge national leaders to allow qualified experts in nuclear engineering and nuclear technology to lead and manage the country’s key nuclear agencies, including the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) and the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT). This would allow our country to fully enter an era in which nuclear technology can be applied to national development across many sectors—energy, industry, agriculture, the environment, materials, and beyond,” Assoc. Prof. Nares added in closing. 

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) represent a significant opportunity that Thailand should prepare for. With greatly advanced technology, superior safety systems, installation flexibility, and, most importantly, carbon-free electricity generation, SMRs offer strong potential. Backed by more than half a century of accumulated commitment, knowledge, and experience, the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, stands ready to play a role in advancing the country’s opportunity to achieve sustainable energy security.

In approximately 12 years, Thailand plans to begin operating its first SMR capable of actual electricity generation. Clean energy for a new era is within reach, and Thailand is preparing to move confidently toward that future.  

Find more information on the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, on Facebook: Nuclear Engineering, Chulalongkorn University 

Continue reading a full article on the website: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/286177/

About Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University has made the world’s top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.

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