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The EU is phasing out Russian oil, which accounted for over 25 percent of its 2021 imports. While replacing these streams is technically complex due to refinery design requirements regarding sulfur and density, the report argues that the EU can reduce its carbon footprint by sourcing lower-emissions crudes. For example, Saudi Arab Light is identified as a potential substitute for Russian Urals crude that could lower emissions. Additionally, the report suggests that using hydrotreated intermediates could reduce EU refinery hydrogen demand, which currently represents nearly 10 percent of EU natural gas imports from Russia.

The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) lacks transparency regarding the greenhouse gas emissions intensities of the oils it stores, which hinders the ability to minimize climate impacts during drawdowns. The document notes that different oils vary significantly in their climate footprints based on production and refining methods, and that a mismatch exists between the SPR's lighter crudes and the deep-conversion refineries in Texas and Louisiana that primarily process them. It suggests that selectively purchasing the lowest climate-intensive oils for the current one-million-barrel daily withdrawal could save an estimated 90 million tons of CO2e.

The document assesses the transition to low-carbon transport in the SADC region, focusing on the synergy between e-mobility and the power sector. Using the South Africa TIMES (SATIM) model, it compares four scenarios: Fossil-Car, Fossil-Efficiency, Electric-Car, and Eco-Mobility. The analysis finds that while modal shifts (road-to-rail and transit-oriented development) significantly reduce energy demand, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is the primary lever for rapid GHG emission reductions. The paper highlights that a transition to EVs would eliminate the need for new crude-oil refinery capacity in South Africa but would increase electricity demand by approximately 20% by 2050. It also explores the role of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCEVs) for heavy corridor freight and the potential for a regional value chain leveraging the mineral resources of the DRC and Zambia.

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) asserts that the January 1, 2024, deadline to commence construction for 45Q tax credits is inadequate due to the long lead times and high upfront costs associated with CCUS projects. While smaller industrial projects using enhanced oil recovery (EOR) may meet the deadline, large-scale projects in power generation, steel, and cement—especially those using saline storage—face significant engineering and permitting hurdles that could prevent them from being pursued without a deadline extension.

The document analyzes Nigeria's struggle to become a net exporter of refined petroleum despite possessing the world's 10th largest crude oil reserves. It details how political interference, opaque financial management by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and infrastructure decay have led to chronic under-capacity utilization and a reliance on imports. The case study highlights that by 2015, domestically refined petroleum accounted for just over 5% of national consumption. It concludes that government-led downstream efforts can drain public resources without rigorous governance, technical expertise, and policy coherence, particularly regarding fuel subsidies.

Singapore established itself as a regional petroleum trading hub by combining a strategic geographical location with a 'twin-track' industrial strategy of minimal regulation and strong institutional support. Starting with oil refining in the 1960s, the government transitioned toward the petrochemicals sector in the 1980s via the 'cluster approach' at the Jurong Island Export Processing Zone. While facing challenges from regional competition, land scarcity, and environmental concerns, Singapore has maintained its edge through massive infrastructure projects, such as underground rock caverns for storage, and proactive policy adaptation.

The report argues that while vehicle tailpipe emissions are decreasing due to efficiency gains, the overall climate impact of gasoline is rising because the oil industry is shifting toward more energy-intensive and polluting extraction and refining methods. It highlights the high emissions from depleted wells, tight oil (fracking), and tar sands, and calls for increased transparency, the elimination of routine flaring, and a transition to cleaner fuels to reduce the projected 100 billion barrels of oil consumption between 2015 and 2035.

The document traces the evolution of octane sources in the U.S., from the use of tetraethyl lead to petroleum-based aromatics (BTEX) and ethanol. It details the health risks associated with lead and BTEX, the regulatory phase-outs mandated by the EPA under the Clean Air Act, and the potential for mid-level ethanol blends (E25 to E40) to enable more fuel-efficient engines and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The document traces the evolution of octane boosters in the United States, from the early use of tetraethyl lead to the current reliance on the BTEX complex and ethanol. It details how health concerns—such as lead poisoning in children and groundwater contamination from MTBE—led to regulatory phase-outs under the Clean Air Act and its amendments. The author argues that increasing ethanol blends (specifically mid-level blends between E25 and E40) can enhance engine efficiency, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the health risks associated with petroleum-based aromatics.

The document highlights a growing problem where U.S. transportation fuels are becoming 'dirtier' as oil companies shift toward unconventional sources like tar sands and use high-emission extraction methods such as fracking. It argues that while vehicle efficiency has improved by 20 percent, these gains are undermined by the increasing emissions associated with extracting and refining oil, which can vary from less than 50 to 250 kilograms of CO2e per barrel. To counter this, the report advocates for eliminating wasteful practices like flaring, requiring better emissions disclosure, and shifting toward advanced biofuels made from wastes and perennial grasses. It also emphasizes the role of electric vehicles, noting that their climate benefit depends on the grid; for example, charging an EV in California produces only 35 percent of the emissions of a conventional vehicle.

The document examines the economic and social impacts of fuel and electricity subsidies in Nigeria, noting that fuel subsidies in 2011 exceeded NGN 2.19 trillion but primarily benefited the wealthy and fostered corruption. It highlights that under-pricing electricity between 2005-2009 cost between NGN 232.5-356.5 billion, leading to poor infrastructure maintenance and reliability issues. The guide aims to inform citizens about these costs and the necessity of reforms, such as gradual tariff increases for electricity and the removal of gasoline subsidies.

Since resuming official ties in 2006, China has become a significant economic partner for Chad, primarily through the $1 billion Rônier oil project. While this partnership has provided President Idriss Déby with political and economic leverage, it has also faced tensions over petroleum pricing and relies on a security framework led by France.

Since resuming diplomatic ties in August 2006, China has significantly expanded its presence in Chad, primarily through the China National Petroleum Corporation's (CNPC) Rônier project. This venture, which includes a refinery and pipeline, represents a shift from previous Western-led oil projects by integrating upstream and downstream production to enhance Chad's domestic energy capacity. Beyond oil, China is funding infrastructure such as a cement factory, an international airport, and a railway network. However, the relationship faces tensions over the economic viability of the refinery versus President Idriss Déby's social promises of affordable fuel. Additionally, China's engagement is entangled in regional security dynamics involving Sudan and Darfur, while relying on French military presence for stability.

The report uses three sector-specific engineering models to evaluate how carbon prices affect the competitiveness and leakage risk of Spain's cement, steel, and oil refining industries. It finds that coastal cement regions and the oil refining sector are particularly vulnerable to leakage, while the steel sector's risk is mitigated by a high prevalence of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology. The authors suggest that border tax adjustments are generally more effective and practical than output-based free allocations for reducing leakage in these sectors.

The document analyzes the strategic interdependence between China and Angola, where Chinese credit lines for infrastructure are guaranteed by oil supplies, and Chinese national oil companies seek equity in Angolan oil blocs. It details the 'Angola model' of resource-collateralized loans and the specific successes and failures of Sinopec's upstream and downstream ventures.

The report assesses how the EU ETS affects industrial competitiveness, identifying that while most sectors can profit in the short term through free allowances and cost pass-through, a small number of carbon-intensive subsectors face significant risks. Using UK and German data, the authors develop 'Value at Stake' indicators to screen for exposed activities. The analysis concludes that leakage concerns are concentrated in a few subsectors, particularly cement and blast furnace steel, where high direct emissions and international tradeability create vulnerability. The report argues that free allocation can mitigate these risks but may create perverse incentives, suggesting that targeted policies or harmonized allocation across EU Member States are necessary to maintain economic performance while achieving emission reductions.

The petroleum refining sector accounts for 2.6% of total U.S. emissions, totaling 164 MMT CO2e, with 136 facilities classified as high-emitting. Decarbonization pathways include energy efficiency upgrades, fuel-switching to alternatives like renewable diesel and biogas, and the deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), particularly at fluid catalytic crackers. To support these transitions, the document recommends that states implement supplemental tax incentives for CCUS and clean hydrogen, expand accelerated depreciation for low-carbon retrofits, and provide capacity-building support such as permitting assistance and workforce training.

The fact sheet outlines the role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in decarbonizing Bulgaria's industrial sectors, particularly cement, chemicals, and refining. It highlights Bulgaria's high emission intensity in the EU and identifies significant geological storage potential, including the Pleven saline aquifer. The document details the ANRAV project as a pioneering CCS initiative in Eastern Europe and recommends the development of a comprehensive national carbon management strategy and the creation of low-carbon industrial clusters.

Bulgaria, the EU's most carbon-intensive economy, can use carbon capture and storage (CCS) to decarbonise its chemical, refinery, and cement sectors. While the country lacks a cohesive deployment strategy, it has a legal foundation via the EU CCS Directive and significant estimated storage capacity of 2.6 Gt. The ANRAV project, supported by a €190 million EU Innovation Fund grant, aims to be Eastern Europe's first full value chain CCS project, targeting a 95% emissions reduction from the Devnya Cement Plant by 2028.

Louisiana is the leading U.S. state in both dedicated hydrogen production and consumption, producing nearly 2.5 million metric tons annually. The state leverages its industrial clusters and infrastructure to attract over $20 billion in private investment for clean hydrogen, which is primarily intended to replace conventional hydrogen in petroleum refining, ammonia, and methanol production.