Decarbonisation Technology - May 2024 Issue

Vacuum pumps

Green H electrolysers

Storage heating

Distillation reboilers

Electrical steam boilers & hot oil

Steam turbines electrication

Electrical heat tracing

Incorporated renewables

Electrical process heaters

Figure 2 Electrification use cases

Refineries should consider these potential challenges Take into account the change in energy mix and utilities’ balances Refineries will have reduced steam needs when electrifying direct-steam consumers. This reduction in steam needs can reach the point where gas-fired steam boilers will have to operate at turndown or be stopped (depending on exact steam generation configurations). The steam network configuration and balancing between various pressure levels should be taken into consideration to assess the impacts, in addition to the planned energy-efficiency initiatives targeting steam applications. Likewise, the fuel gas network is impacted because using electrified heaters can reduce demand for natural gas imports. This must be taken into account to avoid getting an excess of internally generated fuel gas. In some cases, the hydrogen balance can also be investigated to minimise or recover some hydrogen present in the fuel gas network. Ensure refineries’ power systems can handle increased power requirements Presently only around 5% to 10% of refineries’ energy use is electrical. Refineries will more than

double electrical consumption if this increases to even 20% electrification. Meeting this need will require more power to be sourced (for instance, via a power purchasing agreement) and distributed at different voltage levels across the plant. Some refineries are already generating their own electricity using a gas turbine or cogeneration plant that uses traditional fossil- based natural gas as combustible. There are also projects to use renewable energy sources like biogas or PV panels to generate electricity inside the refinery to lower emissions while increasing independency from the grid. Satisfying increased energy needs requires Capex investments to upgrade or extend the existing power system. Early engagement with grid utilities will be essential as it provides the opportunity to assess additional power availability from the grid while potentially benefiting from flexibility and grid stability mechanisms. Identify the electrification potential to define a strategy Developing an electrification strategy should start with a sound understanding of the commercially available technologies (as well as fast-developing and promising technologies)