Work

System-Level Decarbonization of Rice Milling through Solar PV, Biomass, and Electrified Logistics: A Case Study in Thailand

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The decarbonization of agro-industrial systems is critical for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving energy efficiency. This study investigated the transition of a large-scale rice mill in Thailand from a conventional to a low-carbon system through the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, electrification of internal transportation, and process optimization. Using five years of operational data (2020–2024), energy consumption and CO₂ emissions were evaluated across four scenarios representing progressive stages of low-carbon implementation. The analysis applied Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) emission factors and used specific energy consumption (SEC) and emission intensity as key performance indicators. Results showed that renewable energy integration significantly improved performance, reducing SEC from 0.439 to 0.365 kWh/kg in the early transition stages. However, full electrification and increased production demand led to a slight rebound in SEC (up to 0.383 kWh/kg), highlighting the importance of integrated energy management. CO₂ emission intensity consistently declined across scenarios, with the most advanced configuration achieving a 26.99% reduction compared to the baseline and reducing total emissions by over 2.4 million kgCO₂e. The findings demonstrate that effective decarbonization in rice milling requires a system-level approach integrating renewable energy, electrification, and operational optimization to achieve sustained environmental benefits.

Source: Environmental Challenges

DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2026.101628

Authors: Kanokkon Vorraapinyaporn, Prapita Thanarak, Unchittha Prasatsap, Nipon Ketjoy

Institution: Naresuan University

Language: English

Topic: Energy, Environment, Agriculture Analysis

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,140