Combining Electrification, Carbon Capture and Renewable Feedstocks: Large-Scale CO2 Reduction for Olefin Production

Effective CO₂ reduction in the course of olefin production is probably the biggest challenge petrochemicals are facing these days. In this contribution, the authors will introduce a simplified and tangible visualization of the different mechanisms currently available for reduction of CO₂ emissions that are most relevant to olefins production through steam cracking.

Examples of emission reduction measures and their impact on the different emission categories will be highlighted. Among the multiple considered approaches, electrification of processes and Carbon Capture and Storage/Utilization (CCS/CCU) are two most promising measures when it comes to direct emissions. Renewable feeds, on the other hand, are among the most effective ways to reduce Scope 3 emissions, in particular the so-called end-of-life emissions.

The paper will then showcase how these technologies can complement each other, what’s industrially viable and what level of CO₂ emission reductions is possible. A scenario of simultaneously utilizing renewable feedstocks with either CO₂ capture, or furnace electrification, will be compared to a conventionally operated steam cracker. The conference contribution will conclude how technologies already available today can contribute to olefins and downstream products with minimized direct and indirect CO₂ emissions.