Decarbonisation Technology May 2022 Issue

Decarbonisation transformation of Shell’s Pernis refinery Pernis refinery will play a key role in Shell’s transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 through a number of strategies involving biofuels, green hydrogen, and CCS

Andy Gosse Shell Catalysts & Technologies

T he decarbonisation of a refinery goes well beyond seeking out energy efficiency savings. Many refineries are already very energy efficient, but most of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with their energy products come from the products’ end use: 85% of these emissions, in fact. Consequently, decarbonising a refinery also means making lower-carbon energy products. One of Shell’s largest facilities is Pernis refinery in Rotterdam. In this article, I will describe the major transformations that are under way to see it become Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rotterdam, equipped to supply customers with lower-carbon products. Need for more and cleaner energy solutions Shell’s purpose for many years has been to provide more and cleaner energy solutions. It is clear that the world of the future will need more energy. Its population is growing, and people will use even more energy as living standards improve. Climate change is very real, and there are many examples in the form of extreme weather events, so cleaner energy is essential. Powering Progress is Shell’s strategy setting out how the organisation will accelerate its transition to net-zero emissions by 2050. This ambitious process will be achieved in a purposeful and profitable manner. There are four pillars to this strategy, as shown in Figure 1 . The Powering Lives pillar is about providing cleaner solutions to customers to support an inclusive society. The Respecting Nature pillar sees an increased focus on sustainability and reducing waste.

Generating Shareholder value

Powering Progress

Powering lives

Respecting Nature

Achieving Net-zero emissions

Figure 1 Shell’s Powering Progress strategy

Another pillar, Generating Shareholder Value, is about remaining profitable through the energy transition. Significant investment is required to facilitate the energy transition so that the future energy state can be achieved. This means keeping the core business healthy today to generate income and shareholder value. Capital discipline is key to this strategy. The fourth pillar, Achieving Net-Zero Emissions, sets out how Shell aims to work with its customers to accelerate the change towards the widespread use of low-carbon products. Most of the carbon emissions associated with Shell’s businesses are those produced when customers use our products. Only 10-15% of the total associated emissions directly emanate from our own operations. The remaining 85-