PTTEP moves forward with Thailand’s first CCS project at Arthit field to advance the national Net Zero goal

PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) has reached the Final Investment Decision (FID) for its Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) initiative at the Arthit gas field—marking Thailand’s first CCS project and a milestone in the country’s pursuit of its Net Zero target.

According to PTTEP Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Montri Rawanchaikul, the Arthit CCS Project will be capable of capturing and storing up to one million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. With this decision, PTTEP is transitioning the project from concept to implementation, reinforcing its role as Thailand’s national petroleum exploration and production company and aligning with the government’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Action Plan on Mitigation 2021–2030.

“PTTEP is committed not only to ensuring energy security but also to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. CCS is a critical solution, both in Thailand and globally, complementing other clean energy pathways in the fight against climate change. The Arthit CCS Project will serve as a pilot initiative, building expertise and driving future CCS development in Thailand, particularly the Eastern CCS Hub in the Northern Gulf of Thailand, which could play a significant role in achieving Net Zero and enhancing long-term competitiveness,” Mr. Montri emphasized.

The project has been designated as a Flagship initiative under the NDC Action Plan for emissions reduction, with government consideration of supportive measures, including possible tax incentives. PTTEP continues to coordinate closely with state agencies to ensure full alignment with national emission-reduction goals.

Comprehensive preparatory work has already been undertaken, including subsurface reservoir selection at depths of 1,000–2,000 meters, engineering design, and the development of Measurement, Monitoring, and Verification (MMV) systems. The project will leverage existing facilities at the Arthit field, supplemented by new installations as required. Carbon storage operations are scheduled to begin in 2028, gradually scaling up to a storage capacity of around one million tonnes per year. The five-year investment is valued at approximately THB 10 billion (USD 320 million). Notably, the project will not affect ongoing natural gas production from the field.

CCS is often described as the reverse process of petroleum development—where natural gas is extracted to supply energy, excess carbon dioxide is captured and reinjected into deep subsurface reservoirs for safe storage.

In parallel, PTTEP is advancing a broad range of decarbonization efforts, including reusing excess gas from production, improving operational efficiency, deploying renewable energy, and prioritizing low-carbon projects. The company is also investing in reforestation and mangrove restoration to expand natural carbon sinks across Thailand.