Shell, Schneider Electric, and Axens launch joint industrial decarbonisation project

The installation, the first of its kind at industrial scale in Europe, forms part of Shell’s broader project to repurpose Shell Rheinland and reduce the site’s carbon footprint. By replacing conventional fired heating with an electric alternative designed to operate with zero direct CO₂ and NO_X emissions, the project demonstrates how industrial players can work together to advance practical decarbonization solutions for refinery operations.

Developed through close collaboration between Shell, Schneider Electric, and Axens, the project brings together Shell’s industrial site expertise and operational requirements, Axens’ process technology and electric heater know-how, and Schneider Electric’s advanced electrification, power distribution and control capabilities.

At the heart of the installation is Axens’ Heurtey Petrochem Solutions Electric Tubular Radiant Heater technology enabled by Schneider Electric, designed as a low-carbon alternative to conventional fired heaters while meeting the stringent process requirements of base oil distillation services.

Schneider Electric supplied a modular, prefabricated power solution including electrical distribution switchgear, transformers and a power control system interfacing with Axens’ process control system. The package is fully integrated with Shell’s existing site infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable, and optimised operation.

The integrated Power and Process approach enables fast and accurate power modulation, fine-tuned heating control, high operability, and compliance with Shell’s power quality and design requirements. It illustrates how combining process expertise, electrical engineering, and automation can support the industrial deployment of electrified heating solutions.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/refining/08092026/shell-schneider-electric-and-axens-launch-joint-industrial-decarbonisation-project/