Professional Documents
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The future of
carbon capture
for refineries
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Introduction
Achieving global net zero ambitions will require effort from every industry responsible for CO2
emissions, particularly hard-to-abate industries such as cement, steel, energy-from-waste and
refineries. Refineries comprise the third-largest stationary emitter 1 of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in
the world — so they have a pivotal role to play in the drive to net zero.
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is a viable decarbonisation solution for hard-to-
abate industries. With this technology, large-scale emitters can capture CO2 before it is emitted into
the atmosphere, reducing emissions, helping refineries comply with regulations and providing the
opportunity to take part in the global circular carbon economy.
Refineries also face unique carbon capture challenges. These include: limited on-site space,
multiple point sources of emissions, remote locations and the need to continuously operate. Now,
with technology innovation, refineries seeking to implement carbon capture as part of their overall
emissions reduction initiatives have a solution that's both efficient and affordable.
1 https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(21)00410-3
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North America, Europe and Asia Pacific are the refining hubs
of the world and account for 72% of global refining capacity,
according to research published by Wood Mackenzie 2. Two
thirds of all refining capacity is found in countries that are
most likely to implement carbon regulation policies.
2 https://www.woodmac.com/news/editorial/will-carbon-policy-push-refiners-to-the-brink/
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Refinery requirements
A viable carbon capture solution
for the refineries sector must Limited physical space
address the following challenges: Oil and gas refineries are tightly configured with limited space for new
equipment, thus requiring carbon capture equipment to fit within a facility’s
existing physical footprint.
Safety concerns
The safety of refinery crews remains paramount and refineries require
carbon capture equipment that minimises on-site construction to reduce any risk.
Affordability
Given the sector has not been highly profitable in recent years, cost-effectiveness
is a key consideration for the deployment of any carbon capture solution.
Remote locations
Refineries need a modularised solution, transportable for ease of installation
and reliable operation.
Continuous operations
Refineries operate within Implementing a carbon capture solution should not decrease the availability
traditionally narrow margins of the host plant through reducing its reliability or imposing additional
in compact facilities, often in downtimes for installation or maintenance.
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Carbon Clean has developed a fully modular carbon capture solution — CycloneCC — that will
make carbon capture a viable option for the refining sector. It uses a breakthrough combination of
two proven process intensification technologies: Carbon Clean’s advanced, proprietary amine-
promoted buffer salt solvent (APBS-CDRMax®) and rotating packed beds (RPBs), which maximise
the contact area, and therefore the absorption of the solvent with flue gas. As a result, CycloneCC's
physical footprint is up to ten times smaller than conventional carbon capture technology.
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The solvent is introduced into the RPB at its centre, where it is sprayed on to the packing via a liquid
distributor. When the solvent contacts the packing, the centrifugal force from the rotational motion
forces the solvent to travel radially towards the outer edge of the packing where it drains down to
a sump before being pumped to the next stage of the process.
The flue gas is introduced to the RPB from the outer edge of the packing and exits at the inner edge,
where the solvent enters. The gas and the liquid contact each other in a countercurrent fashion,
ensuring maximum contact and greater absorption.
Refineries have several units that emit CO2, including: steam methane reformers that produce
hydrogen, catalytic crackers and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units. It may also be a fit for
other applications depending on refinery configuration, feedstock and products.
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CycloneCC benefits
Cost-effective carbon capture
CapEx and OpEx are reduced by up to 50%.
Compact size
Mass transfer equipment is 10 times smaller and its overall physical
footprint up to 50% smaller than conventional carbon capture units.
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For the oil and gas industry, carbon capture initiatives are increasingly important. As reported by
the World Resources Institute 3, decarbonisation efforts — including a fuel switch to clean hydrogen,
electrification and CCUS — could deliver marked climate benefits. As the report states: 'In the
long-term, refineries could shift to processing renewable feedstocks to produce low-carbon fuels
for aviation, shipping and trucking, ultimately reducing fuel carbon intensities by up to 80%. By
leveraging technologies and adapting to low-carbon demands, refineries could provide lower-carbon
products for our economy.'
Increasing regulation is now driving action on emissions reduction across industries. Here’s a snapshot
of some of the developments happening across North America and Europe:
The fast-changing regulatory landscape is having a particularly significant impact on the oil and
gas industry. Refineries that set decarbonisation initiatives in motion and adopt clean technology
will be able to leverage incentives and benefits as well as reduce the risk of incurring future taxes
and penalties.
3 https://www.wri.org/research/technological-pathways-decarbonizing-petroleum-refining
4 https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/europes-carbon-price-nears-100-euro-_2022_02_0
5 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/15/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-advances-cleaner-industrial-sector-to-reduce-
emissions-and-reinvigorate-american-manufacturing/
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An industry responds
As heavy industry reduces emissions, many oil and gas companies are taking action. Emissions
reduction targets by the world’s top oil and gas companies are on the rise, with major firms
playing a key role as first movers.
Companies including Chevron, Equinor and Saudi Aramco are seeking to tackle emissions
and focus on commitments to deploy CCUS. Chevron is targeting 25 million tonnes of CO2 per
year in equity storage by the end of this decade, with a focus on developing regional hubs that
leverage its existing and emerging partnerships with customers, governments and industry.
Equinor is looking at the potential for hydrogen and CCUS technology in several U.S. states.
Emissions reduction targets by the world’s top oil and gas companies are on the
rise, with major firms playing a key role as first movers.
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When it comes to CCUS, being a first mover in the oil and gas sector offers distinct advantages.
Companies that start earlier will have tremendous partnering potential with investors who gravitate
towards opportunities with staying power in the near and long term. Refineries can move towards
their decarbonisation goals more effectively by combining CCUS with other strategies — including
increasing energy efficiency, opting for low-carbon oil and tapping into renewable power generation.
In the long term, refineries could switch from processing crude oil for conventional fuel to renewable
feedstocks for synthetic fuels, primarily for aviation, shipping and trucking, which could reduce fuel
carbon intensities by up to 80%.
These are all practical approaches that, when used together, give refineries a competitive edge as
their consumers have greater incentives to use low-carbon fuel.
Early movers can claim incentives and avoid penalties. New revenue streams made possible by
joining the circular carbon economy are already being established long before competitors make
their move. Moreover, there are tangible benefits when it comes to brand reputation and shareholder
appeal — particularly given the significant impact the oil and gas industry has on carbon emissions.
Refineries have traditionally lacked an affordable, modular and scalable carbon capture solution.
Carbon Clean's fully modular CycloneCC technology is set to change this, as it provides a
comprehensive solution that fits the needs and concerns of the industry — from safety to viability.
Aniruddha Sharma
Chair and CEO, Carbon Clean
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