Transitioning Toward Net Zero Refining

Today’s refineries contribute to Scope 1, 2 and 3 CO₂ emissions because of the fossil crude oil and natural gas they process into gasoline and diesel fuels. Decarbonization of industry and transportation has begun and is expected to continue for the next decades. Neither biofuels (bio-based products) or e-Fuels (based on renewable power) will be cost competitive versus fossil transportation fuels. Both will need subsidies and/or mandates to be commercially viable as did ethanol for road transportation a generation ago. Biofuels and eFuels are being driven by the aviation industry’s need for net zero solutions for transoceanic flight, as renewable power and hydrogen are not viable options there. For this reason future refinery configurations will be geared toward jet fuel production, and will be employing new and competing technologies for sustainable aviation fuel.