On 8 May 2023, NSTDA President Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong and Banpu CEO Ms. Somruedee Chaimongkol signed an R&D partnership agreement to accelerate efforts towards carbon neutrality. The signing ceremony was joined by executives from both parties, including Banpu NEXT CEO Mr. Sinon Vongkusolkit, Banpu Head of Digital and Innovation Dr. Teerachai Pornsinsirirak, ENTEC-NSTDA Executive Director Dr. Sumittra Charojrochkul, and NSTDA Executive Vice President Dr. Janekrishna Kanatharana.

Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong remarked that NSTDA is committed to serve as the national STI powerhouse to develop the country’s capacity in research, development and innovation. The agency and its five national research centers – NECTEC, MTEC, BIOTEC, NANOTEC and ENTEC – work with alliances across all sectors, including the government, industry and community, to develop innovative solutions and support their application to facilitate social and economic development. The partnership with Banpu aims to develop new products and innovations that will add value to bioresources, boost a circular economy and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The scope of collaboration include energy and battery technology, decarbonization, digital transformation, modern and advanced agriculture, standardization and infrastructure, with an ultimate goal to make the transition into a new economy and zero emission society.

Banpu CEO Ms. Somruedee Chaimongkol said that as a leading energy company, Banpu is committed to innovation, technology and sustainability throughout its operations, and intends to accelerate its business growth with decarbonization strategies under the “Greener & Smarter” concept. This collaboration will create benefits for both parties in terms of strategic alignment in carbon neutrality and international networks that each party brings in to foster R&D activities and staff & knowledge exchange.