Technology facilitated the transformation and upgrading of the petroleum and chemical industry in China

Toward the “dual carbon” targets, China’s petrochemical industry is undergoing a profound and multifaceted transformation. This shift is characterized by a discernible restructuring of product portfolios, an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, and a definitive move toward low-carbon development pathways. Given the industry’s pivotal role as a cornerstone of the national economy, supplying vital energy and chemical raw materials, this transition is both timely and essential for global climate governance.This paper explores the technical solutions that can accelerate the petrochemical sector’s metamorphosis into a low-carbon, high-value industry, underpinned by scientific and technological advancements. At the heart of this strategy lies the innovative concept of “multi-energy system integration”. The multi-energy system integration can break the existing barriers in the energy sector and promote the “integration” of resource advantages of various energy systems, and also reconstruct the energy and heavy industry system and realize the green and low-carbon circular development of high-carbon industries in China.The multi-energy integration technology system comprises several pivotal elements. It advocates for the co-utilization of diverse energy sources, thereby ensuring a more flexible, resilient, and sustainable energy supply for the petrochemical industry. For instance, the coupling of the coal chemical process and the petrochemical process can significantly improve atomic utilization and energy efficiency. The adoption of advanced electrical heating systems, powered by renewable energy, can supplant conventional combustion-based heating methods, leading to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions during refining and chemical production. The use of green hydrogen, which is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, offers a sustainable, carbon-free alternative to hydrogen derived from fossil fuels. It also facilitates the decarbonization of processes involving hydrogen within the petrochemical value chain.In tandem with multi-energy integration, the paper underscores the significance of digitalization, informatization, and intelligent transformation. By leveraging big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital twin technologies, petrochemical enterprises can optimize their operational efficiency, enhance energy management, and minimize waste generation. These technological innovations enable real-time monitoring and intelligent control of production processes, fostering more precise and sustainable resource utilization.Based on the multi-energy integration concept and a comprehensive analysis of China’s petrochemical industry, the paper outlines a scientific and technological roadmap for the industry’s transformation. This includes the development and demonstration of pioneering technologies such as crude oil-to-chemicals (COTC), coal-oil coupling, and advanced carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Concurrently, it calls for robust policy support and incentive structures to encourage the widespread adoption of these technologies and cultivate an innovation-friendly ecosystem.In conclusion, the petrochemical industry’s transition towards low-carbon, high-value development is indispensable for realizing China’s “dual carbon” vision. Through the strategic implementation of multi-energy integration and digital intelligence, the industry can embark on a sustainable growth trajectory that harmonizes economic prosperity with environmental stewardship, thereby contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for all.