COURSE OVERVIEW:

The meaning of energy optimization and decarbonization in oil refineries refers to the comprehensive integration of process engineering, thermal management, and carbon abatement technologies to reduce the carbon intensity of fuel production. This course focuses on the "Complex Refinery" as a massive energy ecosystem where the optimization of one unit—such as the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) or Fluid Catalytic Cracker (FCC)—has ripple effects across the entire utility system. By applying "Pinch Analysis" and advanced process controls, engineers can unlock significant energy savings while preparing the facility for the transition to low-carbon operations.

The scope of this training covers the entire refining value chain, from crude pre-heating to the final treatment of finished products. It examines the technicalities of hydrogen management, steam system balancing, and the electrification of high-energy mechanical drives. The course provides a deep dive into the integration of renewable energy into refinery microgrids and the potential for "Blue Hydrogen" production using Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). Participants will explore the role of "Digital Refineries" in monitoring real-time energy intensity and optimizing complex heat exchange networks.

Coverage includes the analysis of "Hard-to-Abate" refinery processes and the strategic shift toward processing bio-feedstocks and recycled plastics. The course addresses the regulatory landscape, including carbon taxes and "Scope 1 and 2" emission reporting requirements. Attendees will gain practical expertise in developing integrated decarbonization roadmaps that balance operational reliability with the aggressive carbon reduction targets of the modern energy era, providing a clear path for refineries to remain competitive in a net-zero future.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Identify the primary energy-intensive processes within a complex refinery.
2. Apply "Pinch Technology" to optimize heat exchanger networks (HEN).
3. Evaluate the efficiency of refinery steam systems and steam-power balancing.
4. Implement hydrogen management strategies to reduce energy use in hydrotreating.
5. Assess the feasibility of electrification for large compressors and pumps.
6. Design Carbon Capture (CCUS) integration for refinery-fired heaters and FCC units.
7. Optimize the energy performance of the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) unit.
8. Utilize "Real-time Energy Management Systems" (RTEMS) to monitor KPIs.
9. Analyze the impact of crude oil blending on refinery energy intensity.
10. Implement "Flare Gas Recovery" to minimize energy loss and emissions.
11. Navigate the regulatory requirements for carbon intensity (CI) of refined products.
12. Formulate a comprehensive 2030/2050 refinery decarbonization strategy.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is designed for Refinery Managers, Process Engineers, Energy Coordinators, Sustainability Managers, Utility Engineers, and Technical Consultants specializing in the oil and gas downstream sector.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.