Success will come from joint efforts and developments
1. How can we best reconcile our future environmental commitments with the continued global necessity for hydrocarbons? How do we get the balance right?
First of all, I believe it is a step-by-step journey. Climate strategies targeting Net Zero in 2050 also have objectives for 2030, 2035, 2040,….Energy Efficiency will play a key role to reduce operational emissions. Demand for liquid hydrocarbons remains important through that journey and also in 2050, but the mix will change from a product standpoint with a higher share of Chemicals and lower C Fuels, but also from a feedstock standpoint, including bio, waste and recycled plastics, complemented by lower Carbon Hydrogen.
2. How can the MENA region’s downstream industry best adapt their existing assets to meet low carbon objectives and how can technologies & technology solution providers help?
To start with an adaptative approach, you need to identify the best projects, and technologies, and try to reutilise your assets for example hydrotreaters or hydrocracking units, revamping FCC towards chemicals. This is where technology providers can play a large role, as we have worked a lot on the existing and new technologies and can share experiences. In addition, the MENA region, with its large liquid and gas supply, unique underground storage capacities and Solar exposure, is ideally positioned to convert, with advanced technologies, liquids to chemicals, while generating low-carbon hydrogen.
3. In your opinion, how can conferences like ESF MENA help move along the discussion with regards to decarbonising the downstream sector?
As much as this is a planet topic, success will come from joint efforts and developments. Interaction & partnerships are key, not only between traditional players, but also between project developers, and financing institutions. In that sense conferences, and in particular, ESF MENA provides an ideal discussion platform.
Jean Sentenac will join an exceptional panel of key industry leaders to discuss strategies, opportunities and technologies available in the MENA region. The discussion will focus on a net-zero future, starting from the merits of the strategies being put in place in the GCC, and continuing on to the industry collaboration opportunities and CCUS.
