PTTEP initiates Thailand’s first CCS project

​Thailand’s national upstream company PTTEP is gearing up to develop the country’s first carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at its producing Arthit offshore gas field, paving the way towards its net zero greenhouse gas emissions target.

Launched in 2021, the feasibility study of PTTEP’s pioneer CCS project at the Arthit gas field in the Gulf of Thailand has recently concluded, marking the first initiative of its kind in the country.

The study covered several aspects including the preliminary assessment of carbon storage capacity of targeted geological storage formations and a related conceptual development plan.

Preliminary front-end engineering and design work has commenced, and the Arthit CCS project is expected to commence operations by 2026.

“Our knowledge and expertise in geoscience and petroleum engineering represent [an] advantageous foundation for CCS development, leading us towards our carbon emissions reduction target,” said PTTEP chief executive Montri Rawanchaikul.

However, he cautioned that several key factors including CCS policy and regulations, investment promotion mechanisms, as well as the cultivation of knowledge and understanding among the public will be needed for the successful execution of CCS projects in the Southeast Asian nation.

“These will require collective support from government agencies and relevant parties in driving and promoting CCS technology adoption in Thailand in order to ensure that we can truly achieve our emissions reduction goals.”

PTTEP has also initiated CCS feasibility studies in other areas of Thailand to support the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Montri revealed that under Thailand’s commitment to COP26 to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050 and Net Zero GHG Emissions in 2065, PTTEP is determined to manage greenhoue gas emissions and tackle global warming issues.

The company has an ambitious emissions reduction target — net zero Greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 via the EP Net Zero 2050 concept.

One of PTTEP’s key strategic enablers to reduce carbon dioxide emitted from its production process is the adoption of CCS technology, which the company describes as “a preferable pathway that several countries have considered as the main approach to effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions at scale”.

PTTEP is also collaborating with Japan’s Inpex and JGC, which have experience in CCS technology in Japan, to evaluate the potential of CCS development in other parts of Thailand that will eventually provide support to other domestic industries in decarbonisation.

“Moreover, we have recently joined forces with companies in [the] PTT Group to apply CCS under the concept of [a] CCS Hub Model to reduce GHG emissions from PTT’s operations and other industries in the adjacent operational areas (located in Rayong and Chonburi nearshore). It aims to reduce carbon emissions from industries in the East of Thailand," added Montri.

“These ongoing projects are expected to effectively support the country’s road to net zero GHG reduction goal."

CCS is one of PTTEP's strategic pathways amid the energy transition movement to become a low-carbon organisation with sustainable growth.

In addition to CCS, the company is exploring additional opportunities in renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture and utilisation.