Electrolyser technologies Electrolyser technologies are being developed and deployed on a greater scale, resulting in an increased availability of electrolytic (‘green’) hydrogen. By using capacitors and storing and deploying electrolytic hydrogen, the challenges caused by the inherent variability of environmentally derived electricity can be more effectively managed in refineries and petrochemical facilities. One promising approach involves using electrolysers to convert green electricity into green hydrogen, which can be used as a cleaner alternative to carbon-fuel gas. Additionally, the oxygen produced from this process can replace air in traditional fired heaters. This method offers the added benefit of producing pure CO 2 in the dried flue gas, making it easier and less costly to capture. Low-carbon hydrogen Using low-carbon intensity hydrogen as an energy source presents an attractive pathway to reduce Scope 1 emissions. Retrofitting fired heaters with modified burners allows up to 60% of the fuel to be replaced with hydrogen, resulting in a direct reduction of carbon emissions. However, transitioning to 100% hydrogen would require redesigning and rebuilding the heaters, leading to higher capital
costs. As mentioned, low- or zero-carbon intensity hydrogen is still more expensive than hydrogen derived from an SMR and the cost gap is expected to persist. To offset this cost, facilities might benefit from generating carbon emissions credits needed for regulatory compliance. In the US, the IRA offers strong incentives to produce low-carbon intensity hydrogen, which should further reduce switching costs. Embracing system-wide collaboration These solutions require substantial activity beyond the facility, as shown in Figure 5 . This technique includes having access to pipelines, low-carbon fuels, and being well-versed in regulatory requirements and incentives. Any proposed solutions must be seamlessly integrated into the facility’s current and future operations and flow schemes, and align with the external environment in which the facility operates. Vision into reality Due to their interconnected nature, it is crucial to have an integrated picture of the problem and possible solutions. The use of electric heaters, for example, can increase overall emissions on site. Furthermore, capturing emissions in
Other industries - steel, power, chemicals, pulp and paper
Electricity Steam Hydrogen Water network Carbon
New plants - CCUS, H , W2C, biochemicals, etc.
Commercial buildings, residential
Existing re neries, Pet-chem, LNG, NG
Wind, geothermal
ISBL
Logistics, transportation
Potential reduction pathways
H import, CO import Ammonia/LNG import
ISBL solutions, multi-site re nery solutions and or network solutions
ISBL Indirect o -site costs that include transportation, other plants and buildings, utilities and components that require the plant to run
Conservation agriculture
Solar
Figure 5 System-wide collaboration for potential emission reduction pathways
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