Carbon dioxide-focused greenhouse gas emissions from petrochemical plants and associated industries: Critical overview, recent advances and future prospects of mitigation strategies

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.