Decarbonisation Technology August 2025 Issue

Proven at scale: Moerdijk SRPU Extraction was installed at Shell’s Moerdijk facility in 2024 to demonstrate the performance of the upgrading technology at scale. The unit is configured to consume 50,000 tonnes of pyrolysis oil per year, enough to help pyrolysis oil producers scale their technologies, and sufficient to convert plastic waste from as many as 2.5 million people. The unit started up successfully last November, and has been operating very well, meeting or exceeding contaminant removal targets. The facility’s success stems from Shell’s comprehensive capabilities spanning research, analytical testing, design, development, troubleshooting, and operations. Extensive sample testing ensures proper characterisation, both of hydrocarbon molecules – which differ significantly from those derived from virgin fossil fuels – and of the various contaminants present in recycled feedstocks. Though the unit is still relatively small, its construction represents a significant

Moerdijk’s SRPU Extraction unit

step towards plastic circularity and shows plastics can be produced and managed more sustainably.

Caustic wash

Water wash

Solvent extraction

Water scrubber

Solvent regeneration

Processes pyrolysis oil that feeds an existing steam cracker. Already plugged into an existing supply chain. Non-catalytic design enables integration into existing facilities without the need to alter existing units or infrastructure. Relatively low C apex.

Water

Upgrader product

Solvent

Pyrolysis oil

Solvent by-product

By-product

A closer look at Moerdijk’s SRPU Extraction unit’s processing steps

• Gas processing removes contaminants such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide. Although SRPU Gasification requires the largest capital investment, it offers the greatest flexibility for handling challenging bottom-of-the-barrel plastic waste streams. This offering can be deployed as a revamp opportunity for existing gasifiers, either today or in the future, when centrally

aggregated plastic waste becomes available at sufficient scale. Strategic implementation SRPU’s phased-deployment approach enables operators to align technology selection with evolving market conditions. For example, SRPU Extraction addresses today’s market needs where contaminant removal is important but