Sustainability

Integrated Water Management

Sustainability

Integrated Water Management

Sustainable Development Goals
  





Impact of Issues over Time
Short
Term
Medium Term
Long
Term
Medium
Medium
High


  • Water withdrawal and consumption
    from shared sources
  • Water resource conservation
  • Wastewater impact
    management
  • Circular economy for water management
Financial Materiality
Impact Materiality
Risk Opportunities
- Increased operational costs due to disruptions in business operations, supply chain interruptions, damage to infrastructure, regulatory pressures, and legal challenges, etc. + Cost reductions through the efficient use of water resources
Strengthened reputation and trust among stakeholders
Opportunities for innovation that create new revenue streams

Conservation of natural resources and ecosystems
+ Ensuring public access to clean water and sanitation
- Environmental degradation and scarcity of water resources
- Social inequality in access to water resources

Objectives/ Targets

PTT has set strategic goals to enhance water efficiency, reduce consumption in high-risk areas, and control usage in areas with high water consumption in office buildings and operational zones, including the following targets:

  • To achieve a 10% reduction in water intensity (liters per person per day) for office buildings by 2030 compared to the 2013 baseline.
  • To control and monitor the freshwater withdrawal across the PTT Group. PTT and its subsidiaries have developed a target to limit freshwater withdrawal to a maximum of 70 million cubic meters by 2024.

Water Management GuidelinesGRI 303-1, GRI 303-2

PTT’s Water Resource Management Policy

PTT is committed to improving water usage efficiency as a core part of its SSHE management. The Company has set both long-term and annual goals to manage water withdrawal across production and office areas, with a focus on maximizing water reuse and recycling. PTT monitors performance and compares it to set goals, providing regular updates to executives at each site/department. Continuous evaluations of effectiveness and efficiency are conducted, supported by a quarterly sustainability oversight structure. This Policy applies to all businesses and operations across PTT Group's supply chain.

Water Resource Management Process 

PTT has implemented a comprehensive water resource management process, both internally and externally, as outlined below:

Types

Activities for Effective Water Management

External Risk Management
  • Assessing water-related risks and impacts on PTT Group's operations, including physical risks related to water quantity and quality, using international assessment tools and standards such as AQUEDUCT, WBCSD Global Water Tool, CERES Aqua Gauge, and Water Footprint Assessment. This also encompasses legal and reputational risks for the organization.
  • Employee communication and training:PTT Group facilitates continuous knowledge sharing and promotes best practices in water management within its Community of Practice (CoP). In 2024, activities were held focusing on the evaluation of cooling tower efficiency, sharing best practices, and exploring technologies to reduce water loss in cooling towers—key high-water-use units in factories. Additionally, visits were arranged to the Hydro Informatics Institute (Public Organization) to enhance understanding of how to apply data from the National Water Database for monitoring water conditions, conducting risk assessments, and preparing for and mitigating water-related disasters.
  • PTT Group promotes the registration of its water-intensive operational units as industrial water users. This enables active participation in water management in line with the roles and responsibilities defined under the Water Resources Act, B.E. 2561 (A.D. 2018).
  • Analyzing and evaluating water security for production within PTT Groupusing the Water Supply Secure Portion indicator, comparing it to the annual plan and forecasting water use in alignment with the 5-year business plan. This indicator reflects the proportion of water that PTT Group can manage independently, thereby reducing reliance on public water sources.
  • Participation in the Eastern Water Operations Center (Water War Room) working group, which includes government agencies, water management and development companies, and private sector representatives. This group monitors water conditions, assesses risks, analyzes water issues at the watershed level, and sets appropriate measures. The Group also monitors water management policies from government, private, and local sectors, such as setting pricing mechanisms for water in the EEC region and managing water resources in the Eastern region's main pipeline.
  • Monitoring and managing water levels in key reservoirs, as well as establishing measures for effective water management before, during, and after droughts, and ensuring long-term water availability. This includes identifying alternative water sources, expanding water storage capacity for production, such as constructing backup wells and installing seawater desalination units. These efforts will enhance PTT Group’s production security, mitigate the effects of drought or local water shortages, and address concerns about industrial water use competing with community needs.
  • Fostering collaboration and providing support to drive the development and ensure the security and sustainability of water management across the Eastern region. The objective is to manage the water storage capacity for PTT Group’s operations in Rayong, covering the Dok Krai, Nong Pla Lai, and Klong Yai reservoirs, with a total capacity of no less than 240 million cubic meters. Additionally, tracking and supporting the development of water management infrastructure projects in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to meet the projected water demand of 1,000 million cubic meters per year by 2037, in alignment with the government’s strategic plan.
  • Actively engaging with the Water and Environmental Sustainability Institute and the Federation of Thai Industries to monitor and assess the impact of regulations affecting the industrial sector. Push for policy reforms related to water management, addressing both short-term challenges and promoting long-term sustainability of the country’s water resources.
Internal Risk Management
  • Developing a comprehensive water management strategy that aligns with PTT Group's climate change and risk management goals.
  • Establishing clear targets, evaluating, and tracking water usage efficiency within the organization, including a goal to reduce water intensity by 12.6% for the manufacturing sector and 10% for office buildings by 2030, compared to 2013 baseline data. Additionally, setting a target to limit PTT Group's freshwater withdrawal to no more than 70 million cubic meters by 2024.
  • Advancing water management practices in line with circular economy principles, with a strong focus on the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to minimize water consumption, increase the use of recycled water, and enhance the reuse of treated wastewater. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on public water sources and include initiatives such as seawater desalination and the development of innovative solutions for the treatment and reuse of wastewater.
  • Monitoring the quality of wastewater from the treatment system by controlling the quality of wastewater before releasing it into the environment to meet 100% standards.

Notes:

• External risk management covers risks arising from the location of facilities and other external factors, including risks related to the availability and quality of water resources, government policies, regulations, and social factors.
• Internal risk management focuses on controlling and monitoring water usage and tracking the quality of wastewater from treatment systems.
• Currently, GC and TOP are utilizing their seawater desalination systems at full capacity to produce freshwater for their operations. They are also assessing the feasibility of expanding these systems to reduce dependency on public water sources.

PTT is fully aware of the environmental impact of its wastewater quality on surrounding communities. The Company ensures that wastewater discharged into the environment meets legal standards, such as the Announcement of Ministry of Industry on Wastewater Discharge from Factories, B.E. 2560 (A.D. 2017), and the Announcement of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Standards for Wastewater Discharge from Certain Types and Sizes of Buildings, B.E. 2548 (A.D. 2005). Compliance is also maintained according to environmental impact mitigation measures specified in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for each facility.

According to the water risk forecast for PTT Group’s operations using the AQUEDUCT tool in 2024, PTT Group’s facilities in the eastern region (23 Facilities of 6 companies) is at high risk for water stress and scarcity. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to the tool's updated inputs, which now incorporate the potential impacts of climate change. The forecast suggests that the water risk will remain high in this area until 2030 and 2050 under the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. In response to these growing risks, PTT Group is conducting a comprehensive study on the impacts of water stress, including direct operational impacts, effects on stakeholders throughout the supply chain, and customer impacts during the product use phase. The results from these risk and impact assessments will inform the development of strategies to mitigate these risks and reduce their effects on the identified areas.

Key Initiatives

Strategic Water Resource Management in the Eastern RegionGRI 303-1 

According to the water risk assessment result, 23 facilities in PTT Group has implemented a strategic approach to water resource management to address both risks and opportunities in its key operational areas, particularly in the eastern provinces of Thailand, including Rayong and Chonburi. These regions have faced water shortages in the past, notably in 2005 and 2020. In response, PTT established the PTT Group Central Water Management project under its downstream petroleum business. This initiative brings together water management experts, utility companies within the PTT Group, and relevant government, private, and community stakeholders to implement a comprehensive and systematic water management strategy. The project focuses on both supply and demand sides of water management. Key activities include assessing and evaluating water-related risks and opportunities, developing water risk management plans for potential droughts, both short-term and long-term, and monitoring, forecasting, and reporting on water conditions across various regions. Additionally, PTT is developing a strategic water management plan based on the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) framework. This plan also includes effective wastewater management strategies. The initiative aims to foster collaboration, share best practices, and promote excellence in water management practices across all stakeholders. The project continues to monitor the status of water sources and coordinate efforts with relevant parties, while also driving strategic initiatives and business operations related to water. Progress and outcomes of these efforts are continuously tracked and reported to senior management and the PTT Group's Management Committee.

Study on Improving Water Demand Efficiency Across PTT Group’s Facilities 

PTT, in collaboration with its subsidiaries, has undertaken a study to enhance the water demand efficiency of its plants. This involved collecting data from participating pilot plants to assess water usage efficiency, analyze potential improvements, and evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing water efficiency measures. The study also examined measures that align with the technical capabilities of each plant, and in some cases, identified additional benefits, such as energy savings and reduced production process losses.

Knowledge Exchange Activities on Water Efficiency Technologies and Process Improvements for PTT Group

PTT continues to organize knowledge exchange activities aimed at advancing water management practices within the PTT Group, under the initiative known as CoP (Community of Practice): Water Management. These activities are designed to address key topics of interest for PTT Group companies. In 2024, three such activities were conducted:

  • Knowledge-sharing activity via online meetings within the PTT Group on the topic "Increase Cycle of Cooling Water (CCW)," aimed at sharing insights and experiences from companies that have successfully implemented this practice. The session provided valuable knowledge for other companies within the PTT Group interested in adopting similar initiatives in the future.
  • Internal knowledge transfer within the PTT Group on "Cooling Tower Optimization and Recent Technologies," led by experts in water and energy management within the industrial sector, as well as by companies specializing in Cooling Tower production and services. The session covered theoretical approaches to evaluating Cooling Tower efficiency, alongside the latest technological advancements. This provided actionable guidance for applying energy-saving measures and reducing water loss in Cooling Towers across the PTT Group.
  • Site visit to the Hydro Informatics Institute (Public Organization), where participants explored systems such as automated telemetric devices for monitoring rainfall and water levels, data processing systems for water resources and climate information, and technologies for analyzing and forecasting water-related scenarios. The visit also showcased the national water data repository and its application in supporting water management for the PTT Group’s operational areas. Additionally, the visit highlighted community-level water management practices, which contribute significantly to the PTT Group’s CSR efforts.
Water Business Operations
The PTT Group's Water Management Project has established a strategic approach to enter the water business with the objective of enhancing the Group's capabilities in both water supply and water demand management. This will be accomplished through collaborations with business partners to ensure the sustainable water security of PTT Group, while also creating new revenue streams for the Company.

Internal Collaboration within the PTT Group

Preparing for Water Scarcity Situations
In response to the 2020 drought, PTT Group recognizes the critical importance of preparing for emergency water shortage situations. One effective measure to serve as a backup water source for PTT Group is the Temporary Sea Water Desalination Plants. The companies within the PTT Group have collectively assessed the water quantity and quality needs during a crisis, selecting service providers to collaborate on creating an Emergency Water Plan. Commercial agreements have also been pre-established, ensuring that the necessary systems can be deployed quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency.

Development of the PTT Group Water Management Dashboard  
The PTT Group Water Management Dashboard has been developed as a key tool for tracking the water situation in the Eastern region (Water Supply). This includes monitoring weather forecasts, tracking the volume of water in public reservoirs, which serve as the main water source for PTT Group's operations, assessing water quality in the Map Ta Phut area, and coordinating with government agencies and other relevant parties for water diversion management. Additionally, the dashboard helps track water usage within PTT Group (Water Demand), enabling the assessment of water security levels for production. It monitors the Water Supply Secure Portion, which compares actual water usage against annual plans, and forecasts water demand in line with the Group's 5-year business plan. This indicator measures the percentage of water that PTT Group can manage independently, minimizing its reliance on public water sources. Furthermore, PTT Group has partnered with its companies to develop a system for monitoring and evaluating water usage efficiency at production plants (Plant Water Management Dashboard). This collaboration includes pilot plants, such as petrochemical and power plants within the PTT Group.



PTT has consistently applied the 3Rs principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in water management, leading to a significant increase in water reuse within its operations. This strategy not only minimizes resource depletion but also helps reduce water pollution, thus alleviating the negative impacts on the communities and society at large.

In 2024, the application of the 3Rs principle will continue to be rigorously implemented, further enhancing water reuse across PTT's operations. This approach will help reduce the environmental impact, conserve resources, minimize water pollution, and protect the well-being of local communities and residents.

The risks in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) have evolved based on potential impacts and opportunities. Since 2021, PTT Group has been assessing both the risks and opportunities associated with its key assets operating in the EEC, with annual reviews conducted by the PTT Group Water Management Team (PTTWT).

In 2024, the impact on PTT Group's operations in the EEC has decreased by 6.61% compared to 2023. As a result, the risk profile has shifted in response to emerging opportunities aimed at reducing the likelihood of water shortages. PTTWT has closely monitored the situation and engaged with stakeholders in the region to mitigate the risks of water scarcity. Additionally, PTTWT continues to track regulatory changes and water pricing structures to ensure PTT Group's water management remains resilient in the future.


Water Management Based on the 3Rs PrincipleSDGs 6.3, 6.4, 6.56.a 
PTT and the PTT Group have consistently applied the 3Rs principles—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—to continuously improve the efficiency of water management from the source. The following are examples of key technologies and projects implemented to achieve this objective:
  • Power plants have switched from open-loop to closed-loop cooling systems, significantly reducing water usage.
  • Waste heat from boilers (Blow-down Tanks) is used to decrease the volume of cooling water required for temperature reduction before discharge to wastewater treatment ponds. Additionally, Blow-down water is repurposed for irrigation.
  • The Reverse Osmosis Intermediated project reuses water for cooling purposes, maximizing water use efficiency.
  • Condensate water is reused in the steam production process.
  • At Natural Gas Separation Plant Unit 5, water from the dehydration process is repurposed as make-up water in the Acid Gas Removal Unit (AGRU), reducing make-up water consumption by 17,500 cubic meters annually.
  • GC and TOP's seawater desalination project has successfully reduced water consumption by 10-20%. 
  • Feasibility study on water resource management using an Eco Industrial system, which recycles treated wastewater and reintroduces it as usable water, enhancing water management across the PTT Group. 
  • Study, development, and installation of a Greywater Recycling system in office buildings to support water conservation goals. This system treats and reuses wastewater, capable of recycling up to 90 liters per hour, while ensuring that the water quality meets the US EPA standards. 
  • Development and implementation of a Rainwater Treatment system for office buildings, aimed at reducing water consumption. This innovative system collects, treats, and repurposes rainwater for use in Cooling Towers, replacing the need for potable water. It can reduce potable water usage by up to 1,000 cubic meters annually and has been expanded to offer products and design services to external clients. 
  • Utilizing treated water from the industrial park's central wastewater treatment system in the steam production process at GPSC, significantly reducing raw water usage for the organization. 
  • Natural Gas Separation Plant Unit 7 is set to install Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology, which enables the reuse of treated wastewater with no discharge to the environment, resulting in a significant reduction in water usage compared to Unit 1.
Water Management for Office Buildings
To reduce municipal water usage in its office buildings, PTT has designed and installed advanced equipment that minimizes water consumption within the office premises. This initiative aligns with the 3Rs principles of water management and follows a circular economy approach, aiming to optimize resource utilization and reduce waste generation. Since 2021, the PTT Innovation Institute has continuously researched and developed solutions to manage and reduce municipal water consumption in office spaces, including the Greywater Recycle and Rainwater Treatment Systems. The details of these systems are as follows:

Greywater Recycle Prototype Innovation
 SDGs 6.3, 6.4, 6.56.a 
The PTT Innovation Institute has developed a Greywater Recycle prototype that repurposes used water from handwashing for treatment and reuse in toilets. The pilot project was successfully implemented at PTT's headquarters. This innovative system can recycle up to 90 liters of water per hour, with water quality meeting the US EPA standards. Since its introduction in 2023, the system has helped reduce municipal water consumption by approximately 20 cubic meters annually in office buildings.


Rainwater Treatment System Project

The PTT Innovation Institute has developed and implemented a prototype Rainwater Treatment System, designed to collect rainwater, improve its quality, and reuse it in the Cooling Tower. This system utilizes Multimedia Filter Filtration (MMF) technology and UV disinfection, which effectively remove impurities, color, odor, and pathogens, ensuring the water meets the required quality standards for use in the Cooling Tower.

This system is engineered to significantly reduce the consumption of municipal water in office buildings, saving up to 1,000 cubic meters per year. Moreover, it integrates IoT technology, allowing for real-time monitoring and control through a mobile application. Since its installation at PTT's headquarters in June 2023, the system has successfully recycled 180 cubic meters of water, equating to 10.3 liters per hour. In 2024, the project is set to expand into business operations, offering the system’s design and installation services to external clients.



Promotion of Water Footprint Assessment According to ISO 14046 Standards
 SDGs 6.5, 6.a
The Water for Sustainability Institute of the Federation of Thai Industries, in collaboration with the Department of Groundwater Resources, launched a project to assess water usage throughout the entire product lifecycle (Water Footprint) to promote the ISO 14046 standard within Thailand’s industrial sector. Experts from the PTT Group’s Water Management Working Group actively participated as members of the technical committee in defining the assessment standards and provided technical support to PTT Group companies. This collaborative effort led to the successful certification of the Water Footprint label for products from GC and GPSC, following their involvement in the pilot project. As a result, a valuable water usage database has been created, which not only improves production process efficiency but also serves as a foundation for expanding knowledge to other companies within the PTT Group.

In 2024, the PTT Group will continue to implement these strategies and measures to ensure the sustainable and efficient use of water throughout its operations.

Installation of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Technology at Natural Gas Separation Plant Unit 7
PTT is dedicated to controlling, preventing, and minimizing environmental impacts through the careful selection of technology and engineering design. The Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology will be installed at Natural Gas Separation Plant Unit 7. This technology recycles treated wastewater, ensuring that no discharge is released from the system, significantly reducing water usage compared to Natural Gas Separation Plant Unit 1.

Collaboration with Partners and Networks

Eastern Water War Room
Following the 2005 drought in the Eastern region, stakeholders involved in water resource management—including the Royal Irrigation Department, Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, Provincial Waterworks Authority, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, The Federation of Thai Industries, and industrial operators in the area, along with the PTT Group—established the Eastern Water War Room in 2014. Since its establishment, it has operated continuously with representatives from 27 organizations covering three provinces in the Eastern region: Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong. The goal is to collaboratively address water-related challenges, propose preventive measures, and ensure the efficient management of water resources in the region.
 
Industrial Water Users Network 
PTT is committed to actively participating in the management of public water resources to ensure an adequate supply for all sectors. Following the enactment of the Water Resources Act, B.E. 2561 (A.D. 2018), which allows industrial, commercial, and agricultural water users to legally engage in water resource management within river basins through the registration of "Water User Organizations," PTT has encouraged its operational units, which significantly rely on water for production processes, to register as part of the industrial water users' network. This initiative enables PTT to actively participate in water management according to legal frameworks and collaborate with other sectors. 

Water and Environmental Sustainability Institute, The Federation of Thai Industries 
Executives from PTT Group have consistently held positions on the management board of the Water and Environmental Sustainability Institute within the Federation of Thai Industries. In the 2024-2026 term, the focus has been on addressing critical water management challenges in the Eastern region, which may affect PTT Group’s operations. Key initiatives include monitoring water availability for the 2024-2025 period, promoting the development of water management infrastructure in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), and tackling issues related to limited water resources in the region. Additionally, challenges such as the fragmented management of the Eastern Water Pipeline Network, currently overseen by multiple operators, have created inefficiencies in overall water management. The water quality of public sources also remains a concern for industrial stakeholders. Moreover, legal complexities within the Water Resources Act, B.E. 2561 (A.D. 2018)—including water usage permits, water fees, and government support in disaster situations—have been addressed. In response, PTT, alongside the Federation of Thai Industries, has worked to raise awareness and advocate for industry-related concerns with government authorities. Throughout 2024, PTT engaged with various government agencies, providing recommendations on improving water management practices. These proposals were presented to the government via the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking. Key issues discussed include:
  • Financial and investment support measures to help businesses continue operations in the aftermath of natural disasters.
  • Government agency integration for coordinated water management, flood prevention, and disaster recovery.
  • Establishing a Government War Room to facilitate communication on water situations.
  • Development and connection of water resources nationwide to increase long-term water storage and availability.
  • Bridging the gap between water demand and water supply to optimize water usage effectively.
  • Expanding successful water management models from pilot areas to broader regions, such as water management in the EEC.
  • Promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration with the Water Users Organization on water management practices, climate forecasting, technology adoption, and relevant water regulations.
  • Policy proposals focusing on water management infrastructure and strategies.

Key Performance Outcomes  

Summary of PTT's operational progress  
Percentage of water recycled and reused compared to the total freshwater withdrawal by PTT.
Year2021202220232024
Performance 6.32 8.11 6.89 8.01

Storage for PTT's operational area in Rayong Province (million cubic meters)

Year
2021
2022
2023
2024
Targets 240 240 240 240
Performance 275 290 241 255

Note:

The data scope includes the three primary reservoirs in Rayong Province, namely Dok Krai Reservoir, Nong Pla Lai Reservoir, and Klong Yai Reservoir.

Freshwater consumption in water-scarce areas
(Example: <1700 m³/(personyear))

Unit2021202220232024
This refers to the total volume of freshwater used in regions identified as water-scarce (calculated by subtracting the total volume of wastewater discharged from the total water withdrawn by the organization). Million Cubic Meters  50.62  57.37  65.78  63.97 


The actual costs and opportunity costs (e.g., lost revenue) incurred from water management violations (baht)

Year
2021
2022
2023
2024
Expenses 0 0 0 0

PTT Performance Data: Environmental