The Road to Net-Zero: Is Electrification the Answer?
July 19, 2024
5 min read
Governments and regulatory bodies need to provide incentives and create a positive environment for adopting electric power.
In recent years, the chemical industry has placed growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. To address this concern, many chemical plants are exploring the option of electrification to reduce their environmental impact. So, let’s look at the positive impact of electrification as well as the major constraints that currently exist in implementing this transition.
Why Electrification?
As I discussed in a previous column, reducing the carbon intensity of a chemical plant can be divided into three main buckets: Scope 1, 2 and 3. Scope 1 emissions are related to the emissions caused by operating your plant. These are emissions from boilers, furnaces, gas turbines and any transport equipment like cars and trucks that are on your site. Scope 2 emissions are those from the sources of energy imports like steam and power. Scope 3 emissions are related to the products you sell, and especially with oil refineries, many of these products produced create emissions when they are burned (like gas, diesel, jet and marine fuel).
Typical Scope 1 processes that can be electrified include:
- replacing steam turbines with electrical motors,
- replacing small inefficient furnaces and boilers (for steam production),
- producing hydrogen through electrolysis to replace a steam methane reformer unit,
- electrification of the fleet of cars and trucks on-site, and
- retiring gas turbines.
What Are the Benefits of Electrification?
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: One of the primary benefits of electrifying chemical plants is the significant reduction in carbon emissions. Traditional chemical plants heavily rely on fossil fuels for their energy needs, resulting in the release of greenhouse gases. By transitioning to electric power, these plants can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.
- Improved Air Quality: Chemical plants are often associated with air pollution due to the combustion of fossil fuels. Electrification eliminates the need for on-site combustion, leading to cleaner air quality in and around the plants. This not only benefits the workers but also the surrounding communities.
- Energy Efficiency: Electrification offers the opportunity to enhance energy efficiency in chemical plants. Electric motors and devices tend to be more efficient than their combustion or steam-based counterparts. By utilizing electric-powered equipment, chemical plants can optimize their energy consumption, leading to cost savings and reduced energy waste.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Electrification opens avenues for integrating renewable energy sources into chemical plant operations. Solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal power can be harnessed to generate electricity, reducing dependence on conventional energy sources. This diversification of energy supply can enhance the resilience and sustainability of chemical plants while contributing to the growth of the renewable energy sector. Also, the application of nuclear power, though debatable for many people, contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
- Technological Advancements: Electrification drives innovation and technological advancements in the chemical industry. As plants transition to electric power, new equipment, processes and control systems must be developed. This presents an opportunity for R&D, leading to the discovery of more efficient and sustainable solutions.
What are the major constraints of electrification?
- Infrastructure Costs: Retrofitting plants with electric-powered equipment and installing new power supply lines and substations can be a significant investment. The upfront capital costs and potential disruption to operations associated with installing these new systems pose challenges for many chemical plant owners and operators. A plant's full electrification may require 10 times or more power than its current demand.
- Energy Demand and Reliability: Chemical plants have high energy demands, and ensuring a reliable power supply is crucial for uninterrupted operations. The transition to electrification requires careful planning and coordination with electricity providers to ensure the power grid can meet the increased demand and provide a reliable supply. In regions with limited access to stable electricity, electrification may be more challenging.
- Technological Limitations: While electrification offers numerous benefits, there are technological limitations that need to be addressed. Some chemical processes and furnaces may require high temperatures or specialized equipment that is currently not available in electric form. R&D efforts are necessary to overcome these limitations and develop suitable alternatives.
- Regulatory and Policy Framework: The transition to electrification requires supportive regulatory and policy frameworks. Governments and regulatory bodies need to provide incentives and create a positive environment for chemical plants to adopt electric power. This includes establishing favorable electricity pricing structures, streamlining permitting processes and promoting R&D in electrification technologies. Typically, you will see inefficient turbines replaced by electrical motors as part of a maintenance plan when equipment reaches end-of-life.
- Skilled Workforce and Training: Electrification will require a skilled workforce to operate and maintain the new electric-powered equipment. Chemical plants need to invest in training programs to ensure their employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to the changing technology. This may require additional resources and time for workforce development.
The electrification of chemical plants holds great promise in reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, enhancing energy efficiency and driving technological advancements. However, significant constraints need to be addressed, including the cost of infrastructure, energy demand and reliability, technological limitations, regulatory frameworks and workforce training. Overcoming these challenges will require collaboration between industry stakeholders, governments and research institutions. By addressing these constraints, the chemical industry can make significant strides toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
About the Author
Michiel Spoor, Energy Saver columnist
Energy Saver columnist
Michiel Spoor has over 28 years of energy experience, working worldwide as a leader in oil and gas consulting. He has a master’s degree in Chemical Process Technology from the Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.
His passion is to shape the future of energy transition, renewables, global carbon emission reduction and energy efficiency. He has had diverse roles in engineering and consulting. He started his career as a process design engineer at Badger BV in The Hague where he brought plants from conceptual design, through process simulation, equipment designs all the way to commissioning and start-up.
As a consultant Michiel specializes in energy management and energy transition and has held senior positions in various companies like KBC, Accenture and KBR. Currently Michiel works as a Principal Consultant Energy with KBC Advanced Technology in Houston, Texas. He has worked on six continents on various projects and positions in oil refining, petrochemicals, fertilizers, LNG and renewables.
Michiel has authored and contributed to numerous papers and conferences on the topics of refinery energy efficiency and refinery carbon management. He is internationally recognized as an authority on this subject.
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