Ubon Bio Ethanol Public Company Limited (UBE), through its subsidiary Ubon Bio Agriculture Co., Ltd. (UBA), has invested 82.41 million baht to acquire Ubon Saeng Arthid Co., Ltd. This company specializes in generating and distributing electricity from solar energy, boasting a capacity of 2.83 megawatts. This strategic investment aims to bolster UBE's energy capabilities, promoting the use of clean energy derived from sunlight. The initiative is geared towards internal circulation within the group of companies, addressing the imperative to transition towards sustainable practices that mitigate global warming and reduce annual electricity expenses by over 9 million baht.

Ms. Sureeyot Khowsurat, President of Ubon Bio Ethanol Public Company Limited or UBE, the largest well-integrated tapioca player in the northeast region of Thailand using cassava roots as raw materials, revealed that UBA, a subsidiary of Ubon Bio Ethanol Public Company Limited (UBE), has acquired Ubon Sundaeng Co., Ltd., a company engaged in the production and distribution of electricity from solar energy. The acquisition was completed from Baywa R.E. Solar Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based company, with a transaction value amounting to 82.41 million baht.

“The successful acquisition of Ubon Saeng Arthid Co., Ltd. marks another significant step in UBE Group's strategy to achieve complete renewable energy security. This acquisition complements UBE's existing projects, which already focus on converting waste from production processes into renewable energy sources. Now, with a focus on harnessing solar energy, UBE aims to maximize the use of internal space and reduce electricity costs by approximately 9 million baht annually. This move will bolster the UBE group's capacity to generate over 10 megawatts of electrical energy per hour from renewable sources, aligning with its goal to transition to 100% clean energy usage.” Ms. Sureeyot said.

UBE Group is committed to achieving 100% self-sufficiency in renewable energy to lower energy costs and decrease dependence on external sources. This initiative also aims to stabilize the electrical system and uphold sustainable environmental practices. Aligned with the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) framework, UBE emphasizes efficient resource utilization and environmental conservation in all business operations to ensure responsible corporate practices.

UBE Group also operates biogas and electricity production facilities utilizing by-products from their ethanol and tapioca starch and cassava flour production processes. This approach not only reduces energy consumption but also promotes renewable energy utilization. Currently, there are three biogas production plants: the MUR (Methane Upflow Reactor) system operated by UBE, generating 1.9 megawatts of electricity; the UASB (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket) biogas plant; and the CLBR (Covered Lagoon Bio-Reactor) biogas plant managed by Ubon Sunflower Co., Ltd. (UBS), producing 5.6 megawatts of electricity. These initiatives not only cut manufacturing costs and boost income for the group but also contribute to the national electrical grid's security and promote environmentally friendly business practices.