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Oil Refinery: An economic pillar or an environmental disaster |
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by Razan Abakar | 03-09-2018 17:13
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There are many sources of energy in Sudan from fossil fuels, hydropower, renewable energy, and uranium, but 92% of the energy consumed in Sudan from fossil fuels and oil, in particular, has the lion's share of consumption, while the remaining 8% comes from hydroelectric power.
The petroleum industry is considered one of the most important sources of air pollution. It started from the gas emissions resulting from oil exploration and production through leaking and distribution to the oil refineries, which play an important role in the emission of the most dangerous greenhouse gases, and the emissions that result from the consumption of oil and natural gas derivatives. In 1978, the first oil well was discovered in Sudan, which made Sudan one of the oil producing countries, and then several oil refineries were established, the most important being the Khartoum refinery, which was built in 1997 and started in 2000 with a capacity of 50 thousand barrels of oil / In 2006 to increase production to 90,000 barrels per day (bpd). There is no doubt that the secession of South Sudan in 2011 led to a decrease in oil production significantly, but after the lifting of the Sudanese US ban last year, Sudan has done new agreements on oil production, the onset of this year as it had agreed with the State of South Sudan to start opening the oil wells that It was closed because of the civil war in 2012. Under these new agreements, the Sudanese government has decided to undertake a project to expand the Khartoum refinery for a second time to reach a production capacity of 150,000 bpd, which is sufficient evidence that investments in Sudan are not aimed at reducing harmful emissions at any time soon. Although this agreement can increase oil revenues, these funds often go in favor of politicians in both countries rather than improving the quality of life for citizens in Sudan and South Sudan. It is also known that the oil refinery dismantles crude oil from its primary components and converts it into consumer products such as gasoline, coal, jet fuel and many other products. But the problem lies in the fact that, after the separation process, some components are difficult to disassemble thus be disposed of through burning into the air, producing carbon dioxide, CO, N2O, SO2, and H2S. The burning of these materials is the largest contaminant resulting from the separation of oil, so new standards and solutions have been agreed to prevent this pollution from happening completely, and sometimes the closure of many of the existing refineries because of fear of pollution and gas emissions as well as carbon emissions. However, in the case of the Khartoum refinery, no measures have been taken to prevent the burning of these materials on the pretext of high cost, with no consideration of the risks of this environmental disaster from serious and chronic diseases. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides are considered to be the most important greenhouse gases. It is certain that the economic value of the refineries is very high and the profit from them is fantastic, but investment in the refineries requires fantastic amounts and high effort. In addition, the emergence of another oil refinery would increase the emission of these gases into the atmosphere and influence the pushing of temperatures far beyond the borders Which should not be exceeded in accordance with the Paris Convention. Sources: http://www.rcreee.org https://www.sudaress.com http://www.krcsd.com
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3 Comments
Hello Razan
The task that we all share will be to find a point at which we could regulate the emission and still be able to have enough power that is needed. But still, there is a question mark on what does 'enough' means? We should question ourselves whether we are using more than we need. There should be laws that certainly sees a way out for cut out in excessive use and also about the management of environmental damage that these refineries could cause.
Thanks for the report!
Posted 04-09-2018 23:11
Hi Razan.
It is unfortunate that not on the Khartoum refinery but many other oil production mega-factories exist with no protocol measure on the safety of the environment.
The sustainability development goals of have a carbon percentage of below 2% should be something that South Sudan should try to implement and also, adding forth protocols and procedures to ensure the management of the emissions.
Lovely report Razan. I enjoyed reading your report!
Posted 04-09-2018 17:22
Nice report, Razan. It is always great to see industries being improved and upgraded no matter which field it may represent. However, to ensure no negative impacts to the environment, all industrial fields should try to incorporate environment friendly movements within or alongside industrial development. In my opinion, only when this concept is understood will we see the rise of or Sustainable Industrial development.
Posted 04-09-2018 00:26