Figure 6 Integrated Process, Energy, Emissions, and Economics Model (IP3EM)
an amine absorption process also increases emissions in the steam boilers. If excess fuel gas must be flared, displacing fuel gas with low-carbon intensity hydrogen is not a viable emissions reduction strategy. Integrated Process, Energy, Emissions, and Economics Model To explore ways to reduce emissions within the plant, KBC uses an integrated simulation model called the Integrated Process, Energy, Emissions, and Economics Model (IP3EM). As shown in Figure 6 , this model considers the energy requirements of the process, the utility system that satisfies that demand, and the emissions that result. By adapting the IP3EM to match a facility’s processes and utility systems, KBC simulates the location and characteristics of facility emissions. Success story A large European refinery uses the IP3EM approach adapted to its own operations to understand and map the opportunities for reducing emissions. The process starts with energy efficiency improvements and moves towards adopting electrification, green hydrogen solutions, and CCU opportunities. The model is accurate and credible, allowing it to simulate a range of reduction solutions and impact on the whole facility. Furthermore, it is adaptable to suit different scenarios, such as the
use of electrolysers, incorporating renewable feedstocks, and the use of low-carbon products. This approach serves as a fundamental and evolving tool for building the refiner’s decarbonisation roadmap. Similarly, this IP3EM approach is being used alongside lifecycle analysis tools, such as the GREET (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies) model, to simulate the impact of incorporating renewable feedstock and product pathways into a refiner’s business model. This analysis helps determine the impact on product carbon intensities and compliance with Scope 3 fuel emissions incentives and mandates. Ongoing improvements to the approach involve simulating emerging technology solutions, such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel processes, plastic pyrolysis, woody biomass gasification, and Fisher–Tropsch processes. The potential to reduce emissions collectively, between neighbouring plants, shows promising routes towards achieving net zero emissions. KBC applies its IP3EM and energy optimisation tools to analyse complex networks like those found in large ports or industrial hubs. By simulating large-scale systems involving diverse facilities such as gas separation plants, oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and power stations, we gain a deep understanding of approaches to avoid, capture and sequester GHG emissions. These models support
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