Decarbonisation in refining is becoming an operational, economic, and systems-integration challenge that requires refiners to connect strategy with execution.
This article explores how refiners can deploy an integrated decarbonisation toolset that combines process simulation software, energy management systems, emissions monitoring, and real-time analytics to support both near-term operational improvements and long-term net zero goals. As downstream facilities face increasing pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining profitability and reliability, digitalization is emerging as a critical enabler of the energy transition.
The article outlines how the Integrated Process, Energy, Emissions, and Economics model (IP3EM) helps refiners evaluate process configurations, emissions impacts, carbon intensity, and investment pathways using a consistent decision framework across operations and strategy. The article argues that successful decarbonisation requires more than standalone technologies.
This article originally appeared in Hydrocarbon Engineering, April 2025. Download the technical article (PDF).