Policy

Refining

Overview

Refining is the hidden engine behind Europe’s economy, underpinning Europe’s industrial base through its inputs to a range of other industries. It improves our daily lives and enables our modern standard of living through affordable energy, mobility, and chemical products that supply many other industries, including healthcare, agriculture, construction and automotive. Already maintaining among the world’s highest environmental and energy efficiency standards, championing science and innovation, and helping to safeguard skills jobs and training for scientists and engineers, the European refining industry has a strong vision to continue to meet society’s needs in the future. The role of refining in Europe

The future of refining

Europe’s refineries are a key component of a competitive future for Europe and will evolve to meet society’s changing needs. We are retooling our refineries to reflect projected demand trends and the shift toward lower-emission economies.
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Challenges facing European refineries

Due to excess global capacity, shifting fuel demand patterns, high costs and a regulatory burden comprising numerous laws at a local, national, and EU level, the European refining industry today is not globally competitive. But there is ongoing and long-term value in refineries. If appropriate measures are taken, Europe can remain competitive and offset the high cost of implementing low-carbon solutions and learning curves.

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EU policy recommendations

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