Global Chemicals and Mitsubishi Collaborate on Pioneering Hydrogen, Ammonia, and CCS Technologies

In a landmark collaboration, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) has entered into a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (MHI-AP) to jointly explore cutting-edge technologies for the development of a large-scale petrochemical complex. This ambitious project is strategically aligned with Thailand's ambitious goal of achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050. The collaboration seeks to investigate and implement solutions that integrate low-carbon fuels, specifically hydrogen and ammonia, alongside state-of-the-art Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies.

The MOU, spanning a four-year timeframe, outlines two primary objectives that underscore the partnership's commitment to technological innovation and sustainability. Firstly, the collaboration aims to conduct comprehensive research to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating hydrogen and ammonia as fuels for gas turbines. The second core objective involves an in-depth assessment of the optimal application and optimization of CCS technologies for the Steam-Methane Reforming (SMR) process, a critical step in the petrochemical production chain. MHI-AP, with its extensive expertise, will play a vital role by providing cutting-edge carbon capture technologies, hydrogen combustion gas turbines, and ammonia gas turbines.

This strategic partnership between GC and MHI-AP mirrors Thailand's steadfast commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. It also aligns seamlessly with GC's operational strategies, encapsulated in the concept of "Together to Net Zero." Under this initiative, GC is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030 and aspires to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Mr. Toasaporn Boonyapipat, Chief Operating Officer of GC's Base and Intermediate Chemicals Business, shed light on GC's overarching business strategy known as '3 Steps Plus.' As part of the sustainability initiative, the collaborative research efforts will focus on the integration of modern technologies. A significant aspect involves exploring the viability of hydrogen and ammonia as alternative fuels in power generation, thereby replacing natural gas and contributing to the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Osamu Ono, Managing Director of MHI-AP, underscored the substantial potential of low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and CCS technologies. MHI-AP expressed its honor in partnering with GC, highlighting the collaborative exploration of how their cutting-edge technology and expertise can contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions from GC's existing business assets. The partnership also aims to play a pivotal role in supporting the establishment of an economically viable large-scale carbon-neutral petrochemical plant.

This collaborative endeavor between GC and MHI-AP emerges as a pivotal element in a broader global initiative that involves numerous prominent companies. The collective goal is to foster an environmentally friendly industry, thereby contributing meaningfully to the global efforts aimed at addressing climate change and advancing sustainable practices within the petrochemical sector. The collaboration stands as a testament to the industry's collective commitment to innovation and sustainability, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.