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Prospects of Attaining Thailand’s Carbon Neutrality Target Through Carbon Capture and Storage by Public Power Utility

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  • Waranya Thepsaskul

    (Program in Energy Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Wongkot Wongsapai

    (Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
    Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council, Bangkok 10330, Thailand)

  • Tassawan Jaitiang

    (Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiangmai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Panuwich Jaekhajad

    (Energy Technology for Environment Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

Abstract

Thailand has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, targeting the power generation sector, which contributes 35% of the country’s CO 2 emissions, as a critical area for intervention. This study explores the transition toward carbon neutrality in power generation, focusing on fossil-fuel-based plants, particularly lignite and natural gas, which remain central to Thailand’s electricity production. A key strategy adopted by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is “Sink Co-creation”, which includes the deployment of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies in existing and future lignite power plants, leveraging favorable storage conditions. Additionally, natural gas power plants exhibit significant CCS potential through source–sink matching mechanisms. This study finds that the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions from fossil-fuel-based power plants could reach 17.07 MtCO 2 . Of this total, lignite power plants are projected to achieve a reduction of 3.79 MtCO 2 by 2036, while natural gas power plants are expected to contribute an additional 13.28 MtCO 2 in reductions by 2050. However, the realization of these reductions faces significant challenges, including the high costs associated with CCS implementation and limited investor interest, underscoring the critical need for sustained government support and policy incentives to facilitate progress toward carbon neutrality.

Suggested Citation

  • Waranya Thepsaskul & Wongkot Wongsapai & Tassawan Jaitiang & Panuwich Jaekhajad, 2025. "Prospects of Attaining Thailand’s Carbon Neutrality Target Through Carbon Capture and Storage by Public Power Utility," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:276-:d:1558959
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Li, Yaowang & Yang, Xuxin & Du, Ershun & Liu, Yuliang & Zhang, Shixu & Yang, Chen & Zhang, Ning & Liu, Chang, 2024. "A review on carbon emission accounting approaches for the electricity power industry," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 359(C).
    2. Waranya Thepsaskul & Wongkot Wongsapai & Jirakom Sirisrisakulchai & Tassawan Jaitiang & Sopit Daroon & Varoon Raksakulkan & Phitsinee Muangjai & Chaichan Ritkrerkkrai & Pana Suttakul & Gengwit Wattaka, 2023. "Potential Business Models of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) for the Oil Refining Industry in Thailand," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-16, October.
    3. Feng Dong & Chang Qin & Xiaoyun Zhang & Xu Zhao & Yuling Pan & Yujin Gao & Jiao Zhu & Yangfan Li, 2021. "Towards Carbon Neutrality: The Impact of Renewable Energy Development on Carbon Emission Efficiency," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-23, December.
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