A Sustainable Transition Strategy: Electrifying Natural Gas Processing Plants for a Net-Zero Future (A Dual Assessment Approach).

Soha Mousa, Dhabia Al-Mohannadi^*

*Dhabia.al-mohannadi@tamu.edu

Chemical Engineering Program, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Doha, Qatar

Industrial processes stand as formidable contributors to global CO2 emissions, accounting for a staggering 37% according to the International Energy Agency (IEA, 2023). The urgency to combat climate change drives the need for transformative solutions. Electrification emerges as a beacon of hope, with the IEA projecting a potential reduction of 2.5 gigatons in global CO2 emissions annually by 2050 through industrial electrification (IEA, 2021). However, challenges loom large, including capital costs and technical intricacies. Electrifying industrial operations, particularly natural gas processing plants, is pivotal in accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. This work investigates the electrification of a natural gas processing plant, employing green electricity generated from renewable sources. By delving into the technical and economic aspects while minimizing environmental impact, this study pioneers a systematic approach towards sustainable industrial practices.

The methodology adopts a comparative approach encompassing three key scenarios: Case 0 represents the existing conventional plant, Case I involves retrofitting and electrifying the conventional plant, and Case II envisions building a greenfield electrified facility. Utilizing advanced energy integration and optimization techniques, we assess these scenarios. Detailed simulations employed provide a robust evaluation of energy efficiency, economic viability, and environmental impact. The preliminary results pave the way for informed decision-making, not only revolutionizing the natural gas processing sector but also setting a precedent for sustainable industrial practices globally.

References

Ahmed, R. O., Al-Mohannadi, D. M., & Linke, P. (2021). Multi-objective resource integration for sustainable industrial clusters. Journal of Cleaner Production.

IEA. (2021). Net Zero by 2050. IEA.

IEA. (2023, July 11). IEA. Retrieved from International Energy Agency: https://www.iea.org/energy-system/industry/chemicals