Redefining downstream: turning legacy assets into green hubs

A growing number of refineries and petrochemical producers are exploring ways to transform their operations to remain profitable, meet emerging policy demands and enable low-carbon production. This shift presents an opportunity to repurpose existing assets and align with long-term market expectations, but it also comes with significant financial, technological and logistical challenges. Retrofitting ageing refineries to produce biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and e-fuels – alongside the deployment of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) – is emerging as a key pathway to long-term competitiveness. Meanwhile, petrochemical facilities are advancing chemical recycling, bio-based chemicals and CO₂-derived feedstocks as part of broader decarbonisation strategies. Early adopters have shown that industrial collaboration, advanced processing technologies and scalable infrastructure are key to making this realignment viable. However, success will depend on regional policy support, investment certainty and long-term demand for low-carbon fuels and sustainable chemicals. Whether on a large scale or for only a select few facilities, the global energy industry must adopt a forward-thinking, solutions-driven approach to unlock change.

Attendee insights:

Explore the realities of turning traditional refining and petrochemical assets into low-carbon operations, and assess what makes these transitions successful