Carbon footprint calculation in one of the largest Gas Refinery Companies in the Middle East.

Abstract

Rapid technological advances in the natural gas industry raised access to natural gas reserves, related to increased greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2 and CH4. This study calculates greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and CH4) according to sources (direct and indirect) in one of the largest gas Refinery Companies in the Middle East to analyze the carbon footprint for the first time. All computational frameworks for estimating carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and CH4) in different sectors were carried out after determining direct sources (combustion, processes, and fugitive) and indirect ones (import from National Grid's electricity) according to the requirement guide and organizations' report involved in the operational activities of the oil industry. The carbon footprint for this refinery, leading to the emission of CO2 and CH4, is in the range of 1507.1 Gg CO2/yr and 0.003 Gg CH4/yr. The highest CO2 emissions are related to the gas-sweetening unit from GHG direct emission sources, and the lowest CO2 emissions are related to fugitive ones. For methane gas, the highest CH4 emissions are related to fugitive emissions. In addition, the emission of CH4 from the gas sweetening unit and waste combustion equipment is estimated to be very small and close to zero. This study showed that it is necessary to carry out more studies in different regions to give a more comprehensive insight into gas emissions and their adverse health effects on human populations.