Towards sustainable refining: Biomass adoption and electrification processes
Tutor / Supervisor
Student
Subiros Sagnier, Sara
Document type
Bachelor thesis
Date
2024
rights
Restricted access - confidentiality agreement
Publisher
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
UPCommons
Abstract
This study aims to analyze and compare decarbonization strategies in refineries, which are the third-largest source of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from stationary sources. To achieve this, the study first introduces the structure and main processes of a refinery. The study then examines energy consumption in refineries, focusing on steam, fuel gas and electricity. These energy inputs are fundamental for refinery operations and their production is responsible for the majority of the GHG emissions. Understanding this energy consumption is essential for identifying effective decarbonization strategies. Following this, the concept of decarbonization is introduced. Decarbonization involves reducing or eliminating dependence on fossil fuels, the main GHG emitters, by transitioning to cleaner and renewable sources of energy. The study focuses on two primary decarbonization strategies: electrification and the adoption of biomass in steam boilers, gas turbines and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The study conducts an economic and environmental analysis to compare the decarbonization strategies according to their abatement cost. This involves evaluating the capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), and environmental impact of each strategy to be able to calculate the cost of abating emissions. An Excel model has been designed to calculate these factors.
