Story 4: Clean Energy on the Mountain

Powering Tea Without Taking Power Away from the Community

Producing tea requires energy.

Fresh leaves must be withered, rolled, fermented, and dried before they become finished black tea. At Doi Pu Muen, approximately 20 kilograms of fresh leaves produce around 4 kilograms of finished black tea, reflecting the loss of moisture as well as the labour and care involved at every stage.

In a remote highland community, however, electricity cannot be taken for granted.

The village has relied on a small community hydropower system, but the available electricity must also serve household needs. Operating tea-processing machinery at times of high demand could place additional pressure on shared community resources.

Renewable-energy technologies have therefore been introduced to help strengthen the tea-processing system, combining small-scale hydropower, solar power, and battery storage.

These systems supplement the village’s existing hydropower supply and help provide more reliable energy for processing equipment.

When water flow is insufficient, stored battery power can support operations for a limited period. Processing can also be scheduled to avoid competing with times when households need more electricity.

This approach connects technical innovation with community responsibility.

Other projects have supported improved tea-drying facilities, cleaner enclosed processing environments, temperature and humidity monitoring, and better production records. These changes can help reduce contamination, improve consistency, and create opportunities for higher-value products.

The purpose is not to replace community knowledge with technology. It is to use appropriate technology to strengthen that knowledge.

On Doi Pu Muen, clean energy helps transform tea while respecting the electricity, forests, and natural resources shared by the entire community.

Renewable energy powers the process. Community knowledge guides the journey.