Get More for Less :“De-carbonising existing assets – Some lessons learned”

Decarbonisation programmes are demanding increasing attention and Fluor’s Global new project awards illustrates this trend with a rise from 80+ Energy Transition Projects in 2022 to over 200 projects in 2023. 

Lessons learned from two of the case studies of existing facilities illustrate

• A targeted but strategic approach is required at the organisation level to achieve carbon reduction.


• Develop “helicopter view” to identify opportunities at macro level.


• Assess existing facilities remaining life and technology “fit-for-purpose”.


• Assess impact on operations, plant availability and cost to prioritise these opportunities over long period.


• Combine energy transition with phased end-of-life asset renewal for improved return.

In Authors experience, some of the typical short term global opportunities are replacing fuel oil with fuel gas, electrification of combustion equipment, steam pressure rationalisation, recovering vent gases and recycle, flare gas recovery etc. The challenges are production loss during changeover, reduced availability, technology risk and importantly, the mindset to change.