Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Co. Ltd. (CPF), a global agro-industrial and food conglomerate, has reached an agreement with Gunkul Engineering Public Co. Ltd., to install the CPF Solar Rooftop project with a total capacity of 40 megawatts, making it the largest solar rooftop project ever undertaken in Thailand.

Sooksunt Jiumjaiswanglerg, CPF chief executive officer-agro industrial business and co-president, and Sukhawat Dansermsuk, CPF CEO-food business and co-president, jointly signed a memorandum of cooperation with Gunkul Dhumrongpiyawut, chairman of Gunkul Engineering, to set up the solar rooftop at CPF's manufacturing plants to generate electricity as part of its self-consumption plan to ensure energy-saving sustainability.

As one of the world's leading food manufacturers, CPF said it is committed to conducting business sustainably with environmentally safe policies, in accordance with the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals. The company has embraced the U.N.'s Global Compact and also has been listed as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the third consecutive year.

In these ways, CPF has been striving toward a long-term environmental development policy. The company has not only enforced energy savings but also maximized the efficiency of its resource consumption.

Sukhawat said with CPF's vision to be the "kitchen of the world, we are recognized by customers around the world for producing high-quality and safe foods that comply with international standards."

Using clean energy like solar power generation is a strategic move designed to promote CPF's sustainable growth at a global level. CPF said it looks forward to continuously increasing new eco-friendly energy sources in response to its sustainable growth goals.

Gunkul has more than 36 years of experience in the field of renewable energy and solar power plants that generate more than 300 megawatts of solar grounds and solar roofs. The cooperation with CPF includes the installation of solar roofs for 34 projects at 40 megawatts, which is the largest solar roof in Thailand now. This cooperation will mark an important step of Gunkul and prove that solar energy can be used commercially in the industry.

With the solar rooftop, manufacturers will enjoy lower electricity costs. In addition, the company has officially operated its solar rooftop business under the "Groof" brand since June 29. The company believes that the current cost of solar power is declining and can be applied in households. It is another type of business that can be promoted for more utilization of alternative energy in the future and furthers the company's mission to be an integrated alternative energy operator.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gunkul will invest 100% of the whole project -- including design, construction and system maintenance -- through the end of the 15-year contract. It will include installation of around 120,000 solar cells on roofs covering four businesses units -- livestock, aquaculture, food processing and ready-to-eat meal plants -- with a total installment area of 230,000 sq. m. This project plans to generate a total of 40 megawatts of electricity.

CPF Solar Rooftop is the biggest ever solar rooftop in Thailand and also will help the company save electricity cost-efficiently.