Transformación de la industria de refinación petrolífera por la descarbonización: Impacto e influencia de tecnologías emergentes

Abstract

Nowadays, environmental requirements are common within industry, which is why oil refining has also been adapted to these requirements by implementing the decarbonization process with the aim of reducing the greenhouse gases produced in the extraction of crude oil and its refining. The objective of this article is to evaluate and compare the current technologies used to reduce the environmental impact in oil refineries. The methodology used in this article is qualitative and comparative, based on the review of bibliography of renowned and specialized journal articles on which technologies have established a significant change in industry. The comparative approach allows identifying similarities and differences between conventional practices and the new decarbonization technologies implemented. Within the decarbonization of the industry, it is highlighted that the electrification of processes, the integration of renewable energies and the implementation of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and  systems have allowed optimizing the efficiency of processes and significantly reducing GHG emissions in refineries, and have also shown that the use of advanced monitoring and digital control equipment allows timely intervention in the event of potential excess emissions, while international research indicates that the use of biofuels derived from biomass not only contributes to mitigating the carbon footprint, but also promotes a circular economy based on the use of by-products. After evaluating and comparing the results obtained, it is concluded that, while  capture and storage technology is aimed at improving existing processes, the combined use of specialized equipment and biofuels represents a strategic alternative to achieve effective decarbonization. Therefore, the strategic integration of these technologies not only complies with current environmental regulations but also promotes the resilience and future viability of the sector in the face of the challenges of climate change and global regulatory pressure, in addition to confirming that technological innovation is key to achieving effective decarbonization and environmentally responsible refining.