(Oil & Gas 360) – The energy epicentre of Europe shifted to Milan on 19-21 May as PRC Europe 2025 brought together the leaders from the downstream sector. Supported by the Host Sponsor, Eni S.p.A., and Regional Partners including Technip Energies, Sonatrach Raffineria Italiana S.r.l., Wood and Saras S.p.A., the Congress united specialists to forge partnerships and develop solutions advancing the petrochemical and refining era.
“Our industry stands at the crossroads of transformation, and it is our shared commitment to innovation and sustainability that define the next chapter for downstream in Europe.”
With these words, Angelina Nizamova, Project Department Director at BGS Group, set an ambitious tone for the start of PRC Europe 2025. Together with Raffaele Perrone, Vice President – Head of Research and Development at S.E.A. Srl, she delivered the Congress’s opening speech, launching two days dedicated to industry modernisation and collaboration.
Over 400 delegates gathered at the Congress, representing a diverse cross-section of the refining and petrochemical value chain. The event’s agenda was packed with panels, roundtables, keynote presentations and live talks, all designed to address challenges and opportunities facing the sector. From decarbonisation strategies and circular economy integration to advancements in petrochemicals production and sustainable fuels, PRC Europe 2025 offered a comprehensive overview of the trends shaping the future of energy processing in Europe.
On the first day, one of the key themes was building a low-carbon hydrogen ecosystem. That session featured discussions on the technologies and innovations driving clean hydrogen production, as well as the integration of available hydrogen infrastructure projects-such as green hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS)-into existing facilities.
Salvatore Giammetti from Eni S.p.A. shared insights into Eni’s Ravenna site and its role in advancing carbon neutrality, positioning the facility as a model for the future of CCUS in Europe. Hammad Chowdhury from Watlow presented an electrical thermal solution for hydrogen production and process heat electrification, highlighting electrification’s potential for greater efficiency and sustainability.
Other speakers in the session included Karl-Heinz Hammes from NEUMAN & ESSER Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Philip Cooper from Petrofac, Debashis Thakur from Numaligarh Refinery Limited and Federico Zanellotti from Saipem.
On the second day, delegates turned their attention to refinery challenges, focusing on strategies for repurposing feedstock, charting a sustainable trajectory to achieve the energy transition and exploring the untapped potential of petrochemical products.
The closing panel was dedicated to the present and future of sustainable fuels, delving into innovations and possibilities that can accelerate the sector’s decarbonisation.
The session showcased examples of biofuels diversification, with Matthias Franke from Fraunhofer UMSICHT discussing the utilisation of waste biomass as steam-cracker feedstock and new developments in conversion technologies. Luigi Crolla from Kent PLC highlighted the use of waste feedstock for SAF production, while Raffaella Lucarno from Enilive S.p.A. emphasized the role of biorefineries in paving the way for a greener tomorrow through innovative transformation processes and international cooperation.
On the third day, PRC Europe 2025 Host Sponsor, Eni S.p.A., welcomed delegates to experience the heart of its decarbonisation efforts at Eni’s Bolgiano Research Centre. Participants had the exclusive opportunity to tour the New Feedstock and Energy Carrier laboratories, where they explored the company’s latest breakthroughs in renewables, new energies and circular and bio-based products.
The Petrochemical and Refining Congress: Europe 2025 provided more than 50 case studies and real-world examples, fostering an environment where practical solutions and honest assessments were centre stage.
The next edition of the event, marking the 10th anniversary of the Congress, is going to be held on 18-19 May 2026 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Choose the format of participation for the next year: https://sh.bgs.group/2r3
