Bangkok  - Thailand's Saha Group - the country's leading consumer products giant with more than 300 factories and offices nationwide - has announced plans to reduce its oil consumption by 1 per cent this year by using solar energy, reports said Saturday.

The group has used Chinese-made solar cells to provide electricity in the office area of its Sahacogen power plant in Chonburi provice, said Saha Group Chairman Boonsithi Chokwatana.

The 21-kilowatt solar pilot project has resulted in carbon-dioxide emissions dropping by 19.1 tonnes per year and an annual oil consumption saving of 10,496 litres of oil, the company claimed.

"We're considering setting up a solar-cell production plant in Thailand," Boonsithi told The Nation newspaper.

The Saha Group is also considering co-investing with Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build a nuclear power plant for Thailand in the future.

The two companies will host a seminar on nuclear energy on Wednesday to promote public awareness of the energy-alternative which remains a controversial option in Thailand. (dpa)