Asian Downstream Summit sees increased focus on downstream sector’s decarbonisation drive
The annual Asian Downstream Summit and co-located Asian Refining Technology Conference were held last week at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore, as part of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW).
With a focus of examining the decarbonisation pathway, the event sought to ask how refiners and petrochemical companies were preparing for the industry’s first major decarbonisation goal of 2030, and how proposed ideas would aid in achieving net-zero emissions.
The conference and exhibition was attended by Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State (Trade & Industry).
In a speech at the event, Minister Low said, “The oil and gas industry plays a pivotal role in determining the pace of our transition towards cleaner energy sources. It also impacts the adoption of circular economy practices and deployment of emerging technologies such as Hydrogen and its derivatives and CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage). The switch to clean energy involves complex trade-offs, particularly between economic competitiveness and climate change mitigation. It also impacts the bottom line, livelihoods, and cost of living. On the other hand, the growth of a green economy as a result of this transformation is creating new and exciting opportunities.”
Such opportunities, shared the minister, included the “Sustainable Jurong Island” project, which sees the island’s ongoing transformation into a Sustainable Energy and Chemicals Park, and the National Hydrogen Strategy – which was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at last year’s SIEW.
Minister Low also highlighted the growing significance of government and industry partnerships, urging industry players to work with the government and academia on research and development projects, as well as to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies and processes.
“By combining their technical expertise and the government’s industry support framework,” said Minister Low, “we can work together to use more renewable feedstock, implement new processes to reduce carbon emissions and increase the production of sustainable products.”
The ADS Awards also celebrated the industry’s successes and triumphs, with Minister Low presiding as guest-of-honour for the ceremony. The following winners were announced:
Innovations in Oil & Gas Digital Technology
PETRONAS – PETRONAS Flange Management Tools (P-FMT)
PETRONAS – PETRONAS Digital Twin Enterprise Optimisation Centre (EOC)
Downstream Project of the Year
PT Rekayasa Industri (in partnership with Hexagon) – Jambaran Tiung Biru (JTB) Gas Unitization Field Development Project
Sustainable Plant of the Year
PETRONAS Chemicals Group – PC EPE Waste Management
Sustainable Technology of the Year
Zuno Carbon – How Zuno Carbon’s solution helps companies in the oil and gas industry to track, predict, and reduce their emissions
Start-up of the Year
Nanomatics Tech – Thermo-CVD Technology: Maximising value recovery from plastic waste
Young Engineer of the Year
PT Rekayasa Industri (Rekind) – Fandy Maulana Syah Rizal
Female Engineer of the Year
PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited – K. Napaporn Ratanapoka
Leader of the Year
PETRONAS Chemicals Group – Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof
“We see an increasing urgency within the refining and petrochemicals industry to do more with current decarbonisation practices, and actively embrace transformative measures,” said Natalie Chew, Editorial & Project Lead for the Asian Downstream Summit.
“The downstream sector is set to play a pivotal role in the industry’s transformation; Industry leaders are investing in innovative technologies, exploring cleaner energy sources, and prioritising operational efficiency. Collaborative efforts among ASEAN member states are also underway to foster a resilient, environmentally-conscious landscape. With these efforts, the industry remains steadfast in its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.”