In The Spotlight
bp has entered a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to join a consortium comprising Masdar, Hassan Allam Utilities, and Infinity Power which will look at developing a multi-phase green hydrogen (gH2) project in Egypt
The partners will merge their respective gH2 projects in Egypt and consider the potential for a large-scale, multi-phase project focused on producing gH2 and its derivatives, primarily for export, with bp as the main developer and operator of the project
The newly-established consortium has signed a Framework Agreement (FWA) with the Egyptian government to begin studies to assess the project's technical and commercial feasibility, signed on the sidelines of the Egypt-EU Investment Conference.
Supporting Egypt's energy transition
"We are pleased that the signing coincides with our celebration of 60 years in Egypt, which clearly reflects our ongoing commitment to the country. Over the decades, we have been a key supplier of energy in Egypt, consistently working to meet its increasing energy demands while supporting its endeavours for a more sustainable energy future. The diverse experiences of partners in energy projects present a great opportunity for regional cooperation and accessing global markets, fundamentally supporting Egypt's energy transition plans." said Nader Zaki, bp's regional president for the Middle East and North Africa.
Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, Masdar’s chief green hydrogen officer, said, “We welcome the addition of bp to the consortium, building on the well-established existing relationship between our companies and supporting Masdar’s ambition to drive the development of green hydrogen around the world. We already have plans to develop green hydrogen projects in Egypt and this agreement reinforces Masdar and the UAE’s commitment to Egypt to realise its massive clean energy and green hydrogen potential, alongside our Africa renewable energy champion IPH.”
Amr Allam, co-CEO Hassan Allam Holding, said, "Joining forces with bp, Masdar, and Infinity Power in this consortium is a significant step towards advancing the development of green hydrogen and anchoring Egypt as a key player in this sector. Our combined local and global expertise will create economic opportunities and contribute to a cleaner and greener future for Egypt and help to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors globally relying on fossil fuels.”
Nayer Fouad, CEO of Infinity Power said, “We know Africa has abundant renewable resources, and this hydrogen export hub will take advantage of these resources and bring environmental and economic benefits to Egypt and other nations. Hydrogen power is an incredibly exciting technology, and this export hub can help to power green industry in Africa and beyond and strengthen Egypt’s role as a leader in green power."
See also https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/energy-transition/scaling-up-the-hydrogen-economy
W. R. Grace & Co. (Grace), a leading global specialty chemicals company, has announced a groundbreaking advancement in iron tolerance for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts
In the dynamic world of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), traditional value drivers such as feedstock flexibility remain crucial for most transportation fuel refiners. However, iron tolerance has emerged as a significant challenge for catalyst suppliers, researchers, process licensors, and refinery operators. Grace’s research team recently pioneered a three-pronged approach to address iron tolerance which includes:
- Matrix surface area optimisation: Grace’s portfolio includes tailored solutions for FCCUs processing high-iron feeds. MIDAS® Pro catalysts utilize high matrix surface area (MSA), while FUSION® catalysts offer a balanced coke-to-bottoms selectivity profile, enhancing iron tolerance.
- Enhanced macroporosity and pore size distribution: Fine-tuning the pore structure improves its ability to withstand iron contamination. Innovative Grace MILLE™ technology optimises pore structure for maximum feed iron tolerance.
- Novel catalyst treatments: A game-changing Grace-IDP protocol simulates iron deactivation in the lab. This unlocks significant research potential to explore novel treatments for enhancing FCC catalyst iron tolerance.
Responding to iron-related challenges
“These R&D advances empower refiners to respond swiftly to iron-related challenges, enabling greater flexibility in feedstock selection and ultimately leading to increased profitability,” said Luis Cirihal, president, Grace Refining Technologies. “Grace’s commitment to innovation positions us to influence the evolving energy landscape.”
Grace recently published a detailed whitepaper about the challenge of iron tolerance and its solutions and will host a technical webinar on the topic on August 14, 2024 with Hydrocarbon Engineering.
As the refining industry navigates the ongoing energy transition, strategic operators will thrive. FCC units, with their ability to handle diverse feedstocks—including traditional high-iron streams, biogenic feedstocks, and renewable/recycled materials—will be central to future strategies. Maximizing the FCCU operating window, especially in terms of feed metals tolerance, remains essential for optimizing refinery profitability.
Visit our website to learn more about Grace’s refining catalysts and additives.
Synergy Consulting discusses the advantages and challenges of e-fuels, and how a favourable environment can be created for their growth
E-fuels, or electro fuels, are synthetic fuels produced using electrolytic hydrogen. They are considered low-emission fuels when both their hydrogen and carbon inputs are derived using methods that result in minimal life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. The production of e-fuels involves combining hydrogen with other elements to create different types of fuel products, each with specific applications and infrastructure requirements. Various different fuel types can be produced along this basic route.
Different fuel products can be further categorised by their ease of use. Drop-in e-fuels such as e-kerosene, e-diesel and e-gasoline are compatible with existing refuelling infrastructure and can be blended with limited constraints with petroleum-derived counterparts. By contrast, alternative e-fuels such as e-ammonia and e-methanol require investments in distribution infrastructure and end-use equipment to enable their use in the transport sector.
These types of fuels present yet another avenue in our quest towards a cleaner future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy and transportation sectors given that they utilise renewable electricity for their production. Drop-in e-fuels offer an easier transition due to their compatibility with existing infrastructure, whereas alternative e-fuels, despite their potential, require significant upfront investments.
E-fuels offer significant advantages in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and utilising existing infrastructure, but they also face substantial challenges, particularly related to production costs, energy efficiency, and the need for substantial investments in new infrastructure. Balancing these factors is essential for the successful development and deployment of e-fuels.
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions: E-fuels can significantly lower life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions when produced using renewable energy sources and sustainable carbon capture methods
- Compatibility with existing infrastructure: e-fuels like e-diesel, e-gasoline, and e-kerosene can be used with existing refueling and distribution infrastructure, reducing the need for significant changes or new investments
- Energy storage and transport: can store energy from intermittent renewable sources (like wind and solar) in a stable, transportable form, addressing the challenge of renewable energy storage
- Energy security: By producing these fuels domestically, countries can reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security
However, there still exist significant challenges in a greater adoption of such fuels. The current cost of producing e-fuels is relatively high compared to conventional fossil fuels due to the energy-intensive nature of the processes involved and the need for advanced technologies.
The overall energy efficiency of e-fuel production can be low, as significant energy is required for electrolysis and subsequent synthesis processes, leading to higher overall energy consumption.
In addition, alternative e-fuels such as e-ammonia and e-methanol require new investments in distribution and refuelling infrastructure, as well as modifications to end-use equipment, posing a financial challenge. Many technologies related to e-fuel production are still in the development or early commercialisation stages, requiring further research, development, and scaling up to become viable.
Given these challenges, accelerated deployment of e-fuels thus requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy support, infrastructure investment, cost reduction of key technologies, R&D promotion, and exploitation of synergies with other sustainable technologies.
Integrating e-fuels with biofuels and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) can lead to maximising benefits.
By addressing these areas, host countries and governments can create a favourable environment for the growth of the e-fuel industry, driving down costs and making e-fuels a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
This article is authored by Synergy Consulting IFA
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Rockwell Automation interview with Sebastien Grau
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Rockwell Automation interview with Michael Sweet
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ADIPEC 2023 - Exclusive interview with Wissam Chehabi, Fishbones
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Rockwell Automation interview with Kalypso’s Rodrigo Alves and Knowledge Lens’ Ganesh Iyer
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ADIPEC 2023 - Exclusive interview with Feby Mohammed, Belden
![The panel addressed the role of gas in the energy transition. (Image source: AIEN International Energy Summit)](/images/2024/june/aienpanel.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/june/aienpanel.webp?width=787&height=399)
The panel addressed the role of gas in the energy transition. (Image source: AIEN International Energy Summit)
A panel session at the AIEN International Energy Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, focused on the role of gas in the energy transition, looking at how natural gas, particularly LNG, impacts the security, affordability and sustainability of a robust energy future
Moderator Edward Taylor, partner, A&O Shearman asked the question, is natural gas still relevant to the energy evolution?
Andrew Kirk, vice president Origination, LNG, B Grimm said it will continue to play a big role. “The issue with renewables capacity and their intermittent nature means we will continue to need natural gas. New technologies such as batteries are still a long way off from being able to supply a full grid load. Renewables are also geographically bespoke and not available to all. They can provide solutions in areas with limited demand but the cost to run a city like Bangkok is so problematic. Many countries will not be able to cope with the cost increase of moving straight to renewables.”
Steve Morrell, senior vice president, ExxonMobil PNG LNG, agreed. “The conversation about gas has never been more pertinent. Whether we are talking about emissions, the war in Ukraine, or living standards around the world – gas has its part to play. There are also so many conversations about the rise of Artificial Intelligence. But where is the power coming from to feed these data centres that will play such a large part?"
Accelerating the energy transition
“Gas can accelerate the energy transition today. We can stop coal today. We can fill the gaps in intermittent renewables today. So, what is holding us back?”
“We are far enough along the energy transition to separate the aspirational and the unachievable,” said Kirk. “We are hearing these ideological positions where gas is considered unnecessary without having a sensible conversation about alternatives. Moving straight to renewables will create very unstable energy grids that will stifle economic growth.”
With the global population set to grow by 2bn by 2050, Morrell believes the responsibility will grow even higher on the energy companies to provide affordable, reliable and sustainable energy, and natural gas will play a large role in this.
“Gas is well understood and relatively cleaner compared with coal. The infrastructure is there and expanding. There is a lot to be said for the marriage between gas and intermittent renewables. Moving from a well-known system to new technology – it isn’t going to happen overnight. We could put more gas into the system. This will help see a 60% reduction in emissions if we replace coal, without even using new technologies.”
“One of the main problems is how to fill the gaps from renewables,” Kirk concluded. “The answer is gas. The stage is set for a reasoned conversation about gas.”
bp, Mitsui & Co., Shell and TotalEnergies are to take a 10% equity stake each in ADNOC’s Ruwais LNG project
ADNOC will retain a 60% majority stake and serve as lead developer and operator of the project, which consists of two 4.8mtpa LNG liquefaction trains with a total capacity of 9.6mtpa. The first LNG export facility in the MENA region to be powered by renewable energy, it will be one of the world’s lowest carbon-intensive LNG facilities and is set to more than double ADNOC’s UAE LNG production capacity to around 15mtpa, as the company builds its international LNG portfolio.
ADNOC has awarded an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract worth around US$5.5bn to a Technip-led joint venture and is set to commence start construction shortly, with LNG deliveries expected to start in 2028. ADNOC has signed several new long-term LNG sales commitments with international partners, including for the delivery of 1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) with Shell and 0.6mtpa with Mitusi & Co., taking the committed Ruwais LNG production capacity to 70%.
Building on long-standing partnerships
Murray Auchincloss, bp CEO, said, “bp is proud to be joining ADNOC in its plans for Ruwais LNG, deepening our long-standing strategic partnership. This is a further example of our investment in gas growth in the Middle East as we continue to strengthen our LNG business globally.”
Wael Sawan, Shell CEO, said, “We are delighted to build on our long-standing partnership with ADNOC through the Ruwais LNG project. In line with our strategy to create more value with less emissions, we are investing in additional LNG capacity and further growing our world-leading LNG portfolio, with energy-efficient and carbon-competitive projects."
Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, said, “Last year at COP28, TotalEnergies and ADNOC both committed to lead the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter to reduce the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. With Ruwais LNG, we are putting this principle into practice with one of the world’s lowest-carbon intensity LNG plants, allowing natural gas to fully play its role of transitional fuel.”
Honeywell has launched a new process to improve the efficiency and sustainability of light olefin production
The naphtha to ethane and propane (NEP) technology generates a tunable amount of ethane and propane from naphtha and/or LPG feedstocks, generating more high-value ethylene and propylene with reduced production of lower-value by-products compared to a traditional mixed-feed steam cracking unit and resulting in net cash margin increases. An NEP-based olefins complex also reduces CO2 intensity per metric ton of light olefins produced by 5 to 50% versus a traditional mixed-feed steam cracker.
More efficient production
“The petrochemical industry faces strong competition and challenges in obtaining raw materials globally,” said Matt Spalding, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions in MENA. “Our technology helps to enable more efficient production of ethylene and propylene, two chemicals which are in high demand, while also helping our customers lower their carbon emissions.”
The new solution is a part of Honeywell’s Integrated Olefin Suite technology portfolio to enhance the production of light olefins.
Stavanger-headquartered Fishbones has signed contracts for its reservoir stimulation technologies with two major national Middle East operators, together valued at more than US$15mn
They follow a series of successful Fishbones stimulation projects across the Middle East in recent years which have shown positive results, in some cases increasing production many times over.
Fishbones’ unique approach to reservoir stimulation connects the well and the reservoir through an open hole liner completion, with drilling and jetting technologies that create numerous lateral connections and increase well productivity and efficiency.
Under the new contracts, both Fishbones Jetting and Fishbones Drilling technology will be utilised in offshore and onshore wells in key locations in the region.
Wissam Chehabi, Fishbones’ managing director for the Middle East, said, “We are very satisfied with finalising these agreements with major operators in the region, giving us many opportunities to put our groundbreaking technology to use. We look forward to being part of our clients’ field development projects and to improve the productivity and efficiency of their wells.”
“Fishbones has extensive experience in targeting low permeability or naturally fractured reservoirs often found in the Middle East. We are excited to take on new challenges and deliver the pinpointed stimulation that only Fishbones technology can provide.”
Fishbones is looking forward to further Middle East expansion following the establishment of a Middle East sales and support office in Abu Dhabi 20 months ago, with plans including the establishment of local manufacturing facilities to serve Middle East installations.
More than 175 people, including senior representatives of the region's leading oil and gas companies, attended a very topical and engaging live webinar hosted by Oil Review Middle East entitled “Beyond Boundaries: Advanced Surveillance for Oil and Gas Remote Facilities”
ADNOC has signed a general agreement with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for a US$3bn (AED11bn) green financing facility, to support its decarbonisation and energy transition initiatives
The credit facility is part of JBIC’s Global Action for Reconciling Economic Growth and Environmental preservation (GREEN) lending program and is partially supported by Japanese commercial banks.
Khaled Al Zaabi, ADNOC Group chief financial officer, said, “We are very pleased to once again partner with JBIC on ADNOC’s first green funding to accelerate our decarbonisation and energy transition initiatives. Proceeds of this credit facility will enable ADNOC’s strategy to support a just, orderly and equitable global energy transition. The agreement also marks the next milestone in the long-standing strategic energy relationship between the UAE and Japan.”
ADNOC is investing US$23bn (AED84.4bn) to decarbonise its operations and drive forward the growth of future energies, including hydrogen, geothermal, renewables and carbon capture technologies. ADNOC aims to achieve net zero by 2045 and zero methane emissions by 2030.