
Sustainable Water Management through Solar Energy, Promoting Community Quality of Life” is the concept that Shell and GIZ have brought to power life in Roi Et Province.
With water management being a key challenge to the community’s economic stability, clean energy – which is gaining traction across all sectors – has become a vital tool for developing a sustainable and improved quality of life. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, has partnered with Shell, as a global leader in energy, together with the Thung Luang Subdistrict Municipality, and local community enterprises in Roi Et Province to initiate the “Shell Water Resource Management” project to address water resource management issue, which is foundational to the community’s economic challenges, by utilising solar energy as a mechanism to drive long-term sustainable development in the community.

The “Shell Water Resource Management” project is a collaborative effort between GIZ Thailand and Shell to develop a comprehensive water management system and enhance sustainable agricultural practices, thereby boosting local economic growth.

This initiative tackles water shortages in northeastern Thailand by enhancing irrigation systems with solar energy technology and producing clean drinking water for widespread community distribution. To ensure the project’s sustainability, a dedicated community committee has been established to oversee the water system and its distribution benefits. Comprehensive training programmes on solar energy, system maintenance, and efficient resource usage are provided. The project also focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture by, enhancing the skills of farmers, youth, and communities.
Clear benefits include a reliable water supply for households and agriculture, reduced drinking water costs, and increased agricultural productivity through continuous access to water, promoting long-term water security. Additionally, the project serves as a knowledge hub for sustainable water management for the youth and farmers, empowering the community to independently manage the system and further building a robust economic foundation. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably in advancing sustainable water management.


In Ban Non Sawan, the community rice mill is not just reducing energy costs and consumption for local rice farmers; it is a thriving community learning center for sustainable rice farming. This project has empowered the community enterprise -to significantly improve productivity and efficiency. It supports their mission to distribute high-quality rice varieties, promote environmental conservation, and preserve the ecosystem of the area’s rice fields. The project’s success is the testament to the strong collaboration between local agencies, educational institutions, and the community’s commitment to harness clean energy to significantly enhance quality of life. Through skill development and knowledge sharing, the community has also embraced sustainable improvement in livelihoods.


