Project report
Crude oil refinery to be transformed into renewables hub
Neste has completed their strategic study launched in September 2022 , and begins a gradual transformation of its crude oil refinery in Porvoo , Finland into a leading renewable and circular solutions refining hub .
By Alexandra Kist , Valve World
An aerial view of the Porvoo crude oil refinery . Image courtesy of Neste .
The planned transformation will proceed in phases and requires multiple separate investment decisions during the next decade before targeted completion in the mid-2030s . The company expects the long-term capacity potential after the transformation to be about 3 million tons of renewable and circular products , such as renewable diesel , sustainable aviation fuel and both renewable and circular feedstock for the polymers and chemicals industry . The total investment estimate for the transformation roadmap is approximately EUR 2.5B .
The planned Porvoo transformation will contribute to the realisation of Neste ’ s climate commitments . The final timeline for transitioning from crude oil to renewable and circular raw materials will be determined later in line with the actual fuel market demand , legislation development and transformation progress . The company ’ s ambition is to make the Porvoo oil refinery in Finland the most sustainable refinery in Europe by 2030 . Neste is committed to reaching carbon-neutral production by 2035 and will reduce the carbon emission intensity of sold products by 50 % by 2040 .
About the company Neste creates solutions for combating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy . The company refines waste , residues and innovative raw materials into renewable fuels and sustainable feedstock for plastics and other materials . Neste helps its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030 .
The green transition
“ The COP28 declaration is a strong signal to all of us , and we want to be in the forefront of accelerating the green transition with our renewable and circular solutions . The long-term transformation of the Porvoo refinery is a key element in our renewables growth strategy , completing Neste ’ s journey to a 100 % renewable and circular solutions provider when finalised . This will further strengthen our position in serving the future needs of our customers ,” says Matti Lehmus , the President and CEO of Neste . “ The demand for fossil fuels is declining in our traditional markets due to the growing share of renewable fuels and electrification . I am excited to start this transformation roadmap of the Porvoo refinery to proactively create a sustainable future for the site . This transformation will be made possible by our decades-long refining experience , specific expertise in processing challenging raw materials , and our highly skilled employees ,” says Markku Korvenranta , Executive Vice President in Oil Products business unit .
Valves in renewable and circular solutions refining hubs
These hubs typically involve processes like biofuel production , recycling , and waste-to-energy conversion . In renewable and circular solution hubs , where sustainability and environmental impact are key concerns , the selection of valves might also include considerations for energy efficiency , lifecycle impact , and compatibility with renewable resources or recycled materials . The types of valves found in these hubs include ball valves , butterfly valves , gate valves , globe valves , check valves , control valves , safety valves , plug valves , diaphragm valves , and needle valves . Each type of valve is selected based on the specific requirements of the process , such as the type of fluid ( e . g ., corrosive , abrasive ), temperature , pressure , and the need for control or isolation . The choice of materials for the valves ( like stainless steel , brass , PVC , etc .) also depends on the nature of the fluids and the operating environment .
12 Valve World February 2024 www . valve-world . net