KBC participated in the Latin American Refining and Petrochemical Technology Conference (LARTC) 2024, held from September 3-5 in Cartagena, Colombia. The event, co-hosted by Ecopetrol in Cartagena, Colombia, brought together major refiners from across Latin America, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation in the face of the energy transition. The focus was on digitalization and decarbonization strategies to meet the demands of a low-carbon future.
KBC's team, including Andrew McMullan (Digital Solution Integration Lead), Shola Adekeye (Principal Consultant for Energy), Sebastian Cuneo (Executive Sales), and Rolando Gabarron (Product Management Senior Consultant Technology), talked with attendees throughout the event.
At the KBC booth, they shared how advanced technologies, particularly KBC AcuityTM Industrial Cloud Suite, supported by KBC simulation technologies and consulting expertise are shaping the oil and gas downstream industry. Their discussions highlighted the crucial role of digital solutions in driving sustainable operations as refineries need to achieve greater efficiency and transition towards a net zero future.
A key highlight of the event was Andrew McMullan’s presentation, “Digitalization & Decarbonization in Latin American Refineries.” He shed light on the critical steps needed to align strategy with facility operations for effective emissions reduction.
KBC’s integrated decarbonization toolset leverages the latest advancements in cloud technologies process simulation, real-time data analytics, and work process integration to ensure regulatory compliance. This comprehensive approach includes establishing operational baselines, increasing visibility, automating processes, and fostering continuous improvement.
Perhaps most importantly, Andrew emphasized that true transformation emerges from the synergy of technology, people and processes. This holistic approach has the potential to:
As the industry evolves, the need to operationalize carbon management and implement sustainable strategies that extend beyond traditional industry boundaries is becoming increasingly clear. The future of refining will involve managing multi-site and area-wide networks, including the import/export of hydrogen, CO2, ammonia, and LNG, as well as the storage of hydrogen and power.
Reducing carbon emissions in a lasting way requires a fresh approach. Using advanced simulation tools and real-time data, backed by expert guidance, is now a must for companies aiming to thrive in an eco-friendly world.
KBC Acuity makes this process easier by seamlessly integrating real-time data and analysis into refinery workflows. This allows for long-term carbon reduction that goes beyond single facilities to cut costs and emissions on a larger scale. As the downstream oil and gas industry moves towards a greener future, the ideas and teamwork shared at LARTC 2024 will be key in shaping the way forward and Bringing Decarbonization to Life™.