to Achieve Zero emissions in
Gas Processing Facilities
FEATURED PAPER
By Hamad Essa Aldossary
Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Nations and companies are increasingly aligning their oil and gas operations to achieve net zero and remove as much carbon dioxide (CO2) as possible to counter climate change. In the gas industry, fugitive gases can often escape the production process facilities. This is a major challenge that is hindering the gas processing facilities from achieving the net zero as outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015. There have been several strategies and approaches that are meant to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including carbon capture and storage technologies, direct air capture (DAC), and CO2 sequestration. Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies have gained a lot of attention in recent years owing to their effectiveness. This paper is a case study to evaluate the implementation of CCUS at Hawiyah NGL Recovery Plant. This case study showcases the immense benefits of this technology whereby it has been able to lower emissions by 30-35%. However, the technology is cost-intensive and still at the infancy stage, which therefore requires more advancements to reduce the cost of processing and ensure a worldwide adoption.
Introduction
Gas processing facilities are of prime importance around the globe since they supply a lower carbon form of energy. These facilities are responsible for extracting, treating, and distributing natural gas, which is used as a fuel across much of the world (Zavala-Araiza et al., 2021). The gas processing facilities are an integral part of the energy supply chain since they offer energy solutions to a wide range of industries, and provide fuel used for power generation and heating for domestic use and industrial operations. In recent years, there has been an urgent need to recognize the transition toward more sustainable energy solutions to reduce the impacts of climate change and realize global emissions reduction targets (Alsuwailem, 2021). The major focus of this transition revolves around lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions starting with those originating from the extraction, processing, and utilization of fossil fuels such as natural gas.
As the world is moving toward decarbonization, gas processing facilities present unique issues. In most cases, natural gas is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil since it is less carbon intensive (Gürsan & de Gooyert, 2021). However, the carbon footprint of gas processing facilities extends beyond the combustion phase. Normally, gas processing facilities are known for carbon and methane emissions, leaks, and flares during the extraction and processing phases, which contribute. This therefore means achieving zero-carbon emissions in gas processing facilities needs a comprehensive approach that would help address this issue across the entire hydrocarbon value chain (Gabrielli et al., 2021). The present study seeks to evaluate the various methods, technologies, and strategies that can help gas processing facilities move toward zero-carbon operations. Through a deep analysis of existing literature, analysis of technological tools, and policy frameworks, this paper explores a real-world case study to understand the current trends and approaches used to accelerate the decarbonization process in gas processing facilities.
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How to cite this paper: Aldossary, H. E. (2024). Methods For Energy Transition to Achieve Zero emissions in Gas Processing Facilities; PM World Journal, Vol. XIII, Issue IX, September. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pmwj145-Sep2024-Aldossary-Methods-for-Energy-Transition-to-Zero-Emissions.pdf
About the Author
Hamad Essa Aldossary
Saudi Arabia
Hamad E. Aldossary holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering and Master degree in Business Administration. His master’s thesis was about hygienic production technologies and the appropriate management strategy in the manufacturing industry. He has eight years of experience in project management working in projects of different sizes. He currently holds the position of Project Engineer at Saudi Aramco to execute one of the ambitious company’s mega projects (Jafurah Gas Plant). He is interested in developing the concept of project management to optimize the overall project schedule and to find alternative solutions for possible cost saving. Hamad can be contacted at Hamad.e.aldossary@gmail.com
