Global emissions can decline 10% this decade if refineries clean up their act

What is the news?

As per the report published in One Earth, global cumulative emissions could be reduced by 10% during 2020-2030 if refineries adopt low carbon measures. 

Findings 

• Emissions have increased: It estimated that emissions from the refineries in 2018 were about 1.3 gigatons (Gt) which would increase to 16.5 Gt of CO₂ in 2020-2030 if refineries do not adopt low carbon measures. 
• Number of refineries has increased from 755 in 2000 worldwide, to 946 refineries in 2018. 
• The oil refining industry plays a crucial role in both the energy supply chain and climate change. The petroleum oil refining industry is the third-largest stationary emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, contributing 6% of all industrial greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, CO₂ accounts for approximately 98% of greenhouse gases emitted by petroleum refineries. 
• CO₂ emissions from the oil refineries in India experienced growth between 2000 and 2018; contribution climbed 7% in 2018 from 3% in 2000. 

Mitigation strategies 

Based on the findings, the authors recommend mitigation strategies, such as  

• improving refinery efficiency  
• upgrading heavy oil-processing technologies 

These strategies could potentially reduce global cumulative emissions by 10% from 2020 to 2030.