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Source: Down To Earth
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.
