Thai company PTT strengthens partnership in hydrogen technologies

26 Jul 2023

A PTT's delegation visited our laboratories to enhance collaboration in joint decarbonization efforts

We recently welcomed a high-level delegation from Thai company PTT Public Company Limited (“PTT”) to our laboratories in Castel Romano and Dalmine, Italy. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen the partnership between our two companies and showcase RINA's capabilities in the field of hydrogen technologies. 

The delegation also visited some of the most relevant sites in Italy where hydrogen technologies and applications are being deployed: the manufacturing site of Forgiatura A. Vienna (part of Gruppo GIVA) in Rho, Milan; Snam's gas storage plant in Bordolano; and Baker Hughes' facility and research labs in Florence, where the company has been developing its hydrogen NovaLT™ turbine.   

PTT, a Thai state-owned oil and gas company, has actively aimed to reduce carbon emissions and PTT would play an important role in Thailand’s net zero emission target. The country has recently raised its target for cutting GHG emissions, aiming to achieve a 40 percent reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, with a further goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2065. Likewise, PTT aims to drive Thailand towards the country’s goal by achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2040 and Net Zero Emissions by 2050. 

Recognizing the importance of hydrogen in the energy transition and the commitment to net zero emissions, PTT recently awarded us a consultancy and technical service contract to develop a Pilot Project. The project focuses on assessing the compatibility of an industrial burner for blending natural gas and hydrogen, and ultimately determine its readiness to operate with a maximum hydrogen blending percentage of 20% by volume. 

"We are delighted about this partnership, that demonstrates the high level of commitment between our companies. There are many challenges to overcome, and collaboration is the way forward towards the common goal of reaching the net-zero targets" said Andrea Bombardi, RINA's Carbon Reduction Excellence EVP. 

The Pilot Project will involve feasibility analysis and subsequent industrial tests at PTT's Innovation Institute, considering applicable regulations and conducting a comparative assessment of natural gas-hydrogen blending versus 100% natural gas usage.  

“Blending hydrogen with natural gas for industrial burners marks the beginning of PTT's efforts to enhance understanding of hydrogen as a decarbonization fuel in Thailand. Presently, we anticipate numerous challenges in the commercialization of hydrogen within the country. Nevertheless, with the valuable support of RINA in the areas of engineering and technology, we are confident that it will propel us towards accomplishing our decarbonization objectives in alignment with our business strategy” said Jakkraphan Thavilap, PTT’s VP of Business Development Department. 

By collaborating closely, our two companies aim to develop innovative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.