Decarbonizing the Petroleum Industry: Current Status, Ongoing Activities, and Future Prospects - Chapter 3: Decarbonization Technologies and Strategies

This chapter examines the critical role of decarbonization technologies and strategies in transforming the petroleum industry to mitigate its significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. With oil and gas operations responsible for approximately 5.1 billion tons of CO2 equivalent emissions in 2022, it is imperative to adopt effective measures to reduce this impact. The chapter focuses on carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies, which encompass various methods such as postcombustion, precombustion, and oxy-fuel combustion for capturing CO2 emissions. It also highlights the potential of low-carbon fuels, including hydrogen and biofuels, as alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy sources and improvements in energy efficiency are discussed as essential components of a comprehensive decarbonization strategy. Through case studies and analyses, the chapter illustrates how these technologies can enhance sustainability within the petroleum sector while contributing to global climate goals.