Abstract

Petrochemical  production, a resource and energy intensive industry, is a major cause  of greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the low-carbon transition to  net-zero emissions, further efforts and measures are required from  petrochemical plants. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of  advanced technologies and recent developments in reducing greenhouse gas  emissions in the petrochemical industries and associated upstream and  downstream processes, as well as the challenges and prospects involved.  The technologies and strategies were assessed on the basis of their  environmental impact, effectiveness, economic and safety aspects. The  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and IT-based energy management  technologies such as carbon labeling, blockchain and artificial  intelligence were also discussed. Based on the examined case studies in  typical petrochemical industries, it is clear that a combination of  mitigation and advanced technologies is more effective to save energy  and resources, improve energy efficiency and build a green and clean  industry. Although this study focuses on the petrochemical industries,  it also provides insights and relevance for broader industrial sectors  worldwide. This study identifies future research directions for the  management of greenhouse gas emissions and could promote and support the  low-carbon industrial chain and circular economy of the petrochemical  industries.


Abbreviations

  • AI: Artificial Intelligence
  • CBAM: The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
  • CO2: Carbon Dioxide
  • CH4: Methane
  • CCUS: Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage
  • CCU: Carbon Capture and Utilization
  • CCS: Carbon Capture and Storage
  • HNO3: Nitric Acid
  • ISO 14067: International Organization for Standardization
  • GWP: Global Warming Potential
  • LCA: Life-cycle Assessment
  • MOR: MordeniteN2O, Nitrous Oxide
  • PAS 2050: Publicly Available Specification 2050
  • PLA: Polylactic Acid or Polylactide
  • SCR: Selective Catalytic Reduction
  • SMR-HB: Steam Methane Reforming Haber–Bosch

Keywords
Greenhouse gas emissions, Petrochemical industry, Mitigation strategies, Recent advances, Climate neutrality