.jpg)
25 Jun 2026
Collaboration Launches World’s First Carbon-Negative Solar Bus Shelter Prototype
Bangkok, Thailand 26 May 2026 - The Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University and Midsummer Siam Co., Ltd., the Thailand subsidiary of Swedish solar technology company Midsummer AB, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on renewable energy integration, sustainable architecture, low-carbon construction systems and climate-positive urban development in Thailand.
The collaboration aims to explore how advanced renewable energy technologies and sustainable building systems can contribute to Thailand’s decarbonization ambitions and future urban transformation.
As part of the collaboration, the parties have jointly supported the development of what is believed to be the world’s first carbon-negative solar bus shelter prototype, located in front of the Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
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.
The project may also contribute to future urban sustainability initiatives and inclusive city development efforts in Bangkok and beyond.
Assistant Professor Sarayut Supsook, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, commented: “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.”
Lars Svensson, Representative of Midsummer Siam and Head of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development ASEAN for Midsummer AB, commented: “This project shows that renewable energy integration can become part of architecture itself — not something added afterwards. Lightweight thin-film solar technology creates exciting new opportunities for climate-positive buildings and public infrastructure, especially in dense tropical cities.”
H.E. Anna Hammargren, Ambassador of Sweden to Thailand, commented: “This collaboration reflects the strong partnership between Sweden and Thailand around innovation, sustainability and green transition. It is encouraging to see academia and industry working together to create practical solutions with both environmental and societal value.”
The collaboration will further explore opportunities related to:
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
Sustainable urban infrastructure
Tropical climate architecture
Low-carbon and circular construction systems
Renewable energy integration
Academic and industrial research collaboration
Academic training collaboration
Pilot and demonstration projects
Midsummer’s thin-film CIGS solar technology is designed to provide lightweight, flexible and low-carbon renewable energy solutions suitable for roofs and surfaces where conventional solar systems may be difficult to deploy.
The collaboration forms part of a broader ambition to support innovation and green transition within Thailand’s built environment and renewable energy sectors.