PTTEP unites with leading universities in Thailand, including Chulalongkorn University, in promoting academic research on geoscience and petroleum engineering as well as professional development in petroleum exploration and production (E&P) in support of strengthening energy security for the Thai people. The knowledge can then be leveraged for the development of CCS, to drive Thailand towards a low-carbon society.
Mr. Montri Rawanchaikul, Chief Executive Officer of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), revealed that PTTEP has initiated the 'PTTEP Subsurface University Energy Connect' scheme in collaboration with universities in Thailand. Under the scheme, they will carry out research and development, exchange knowledge and produce talents in E&P with expertise in related fields including geoscience and petroleum engineering, etc. While petroleum will remain a primary source of energy significant for economic development, the knowledge in geoscience, both geology and geophysics, can be leveraged for the development of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Thailand. The technology is crucial in reducing carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere and can propel the country towards its goals concerning the global warming.
PTTEP recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chulalongkorn University, under the 'PTTEP Subsurface University Energy Connect' scheme, emphasizing research and studies in geoscience and E&P engineering as well as the CCS technology development.
Mr. Montri said: 'Academic institutions is one of the key drivers in advancing the petroleum exploration and production. This collaboration of PTTEP and Chulalongkorn University in developing skillful professional in subsurface sciences will help leverage quality personnel for the energy industry, which will benefit Thailand in terms of energy security and its aspiration to become a low-carbon society.'
According to Professor Dr. Bundhit Eua-arporn, President of Chulalongkorn University, 'Chulalongkorn University has its mission to produce quality graduates who will become vital leaders of the future as well as creating knowledge and innovation in order to promote our society aiming towards sustainable development. Previously, Chula received the support for research funding and curriculum development in petroleum from PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), which helped increase our research and academic potential in driving Thailand forward. This academic cooperation between Chulalongkorn University and PTTEP under the PTTEP Subsurface University Energy Connect Project will help further research and academic cooperation between our two organizations and generate new knowledge in geoscience and engineering in petroleum exploration and production which will play a crucial part in pushing Thailand towards a society that is sustainable in its energy and environment.'
Under the PTTEP Subsurface University Energy Connect scheme, PTTEP has already signed MoU with Chiang Mai University and Khon Kaen University and sought to extend similar academic collaboration to others.
Source: PTTEP
