Refineries are responsible for the production of transportation fuels and other products, such as petrochemicals and lubricants, but they also contribute significantly to global GHG emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), refinery GHG emissions in 2023 amounted to 160 million metric tons CO2 equivalent (MMT CO2e), with over 70% resulting from fuel […]
Technical service contracts vs. production sharing contracts: A tale of two models
The choice between technical service contracts (TSCs) and production sharing contracts (PSCs) can significantly impact the development of a country’s oil and gas industry. Technical service contracts (TSCs) are agreements where a company provides technical expertise and services to the state-owned oil company in exchange for a fee. This model can be particularly attractive when […]
Methane emissions reduction: The game is on!
Decarbonization efforts in the oil and gas sector continue to gain momentum but face significant challenges. In our previous blog, we discussed the challenges oil and gas companies face in reducing upstream greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and highlighted several initiatives major operators such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell have made in GHG emissions reduction. However, […]
Batteries of the cars go round and round!
Electric vehicles (EVs) demand continues to grow, albeit at a slightly slower pace, as ADI has reported previously. Policy support, falling battery pack and cell prices, rising consumer interest, and innovation by automotive OEMs are all driving this growth resulting in concerns on whether there is enough supply of various critical minerals including lithium, nickel, and other critical minerals. […]
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election – Part 2: How will Harris and Trump impact U.S. energy policies?
Beginning with the 2016 Presidential election in the U.S., ADI has been publishing a summary of energy policy proposals by the leading candidates. Our summary has typically collected the positions of the two candidates on key energy issues, and we have tried to be objective by using their own words — made through statements reported […]
Direct lithium extraction technology: Breaking new ground in lithium production
The demand for lithium is on the rise due to its role as a crucial component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems. Major oil and gas companies such as Equinor and ExxonMobil are seizing opportunities in this growing market. ExxonMobil is constructing a lithium production facility in Arkansas and has recently secured […]
The turbulent road to a SAF future
The aviation industry stands at a critical crossroads in its journey toward sustainability. In recent years, interest in SAF has surged, with airlines making significant commitments to incorporate this fuel into their operations, while governments around the world are launching initiatives to enhance SAF production and adoption. The Biden Administration’s SAF Grand Challenge, for instance, […]
Finding the perfect spot to build your next project
Selecting the site for a new hydrogen project, chemicals plant, or renewable energy facility can be a long and rigorous process. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is driving investment into new energy transition projects, but location is often a critical factor in project’s success. Whether it’s the company’s first, second, or hundredth facility, finding the […]
Uncertainties with GHG emissions of plastics production
The greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of plastics continues to find attention with a recent report published by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) in April 2024. In the past, this issue was looked at by McKinsey in July 2022 when they estimated life cycle GHG emissions of plastics. According to the LBNL report, in […]
How robots and AI are creating a safer and more efficient mining industry
Recent developments in AI and machine learning (ML) technologies are changing daily operations in the mining industry. With the ability to analyze large amounts of data and provide recommendations in real-time, AI is driving change in the mining industry by improving exploration, reducing waste and improving efficiency with automation, minimizing environmental impacts, and improving the […]
