Materials (in addition to minerals and metals) have a critical role in enabling the energy transition. Materials with lower GHG emission intensity in their manufacturing, operation and/or disposal/reuse will be needed. High-performance carbon-based materials are expected to play a major role in this transition. Despite its importance, the materials transition is little understood by policy makers and the public. In which sectors will the materials transition be most impactful? What role will carbon-based materials play in the materials transition? What are the implications for hydrocarbon suppliers and downstream value chain participants? What new policies will be needed to facilitate the transition to lower GHG intensity materials?
Repurposing of energy assets to enable low-carbon energy projects is an increasingly common strategy across the energy sector. In upstream examples include re-use of aging facilities for hydrogen or CO2 processing and transport, or for CO2 storage in reservoirs. Downstream examples include converting refineries to produce hydrogen or biofuels / Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), while in the power sector, utilizing coal or other thermal sites for renewables and desalination projects offers opportunities in some regions. Which drivers enable industry players to take advantage of their existing assets in this way? What regulatory support is most helpful? Which regions offer the most potential?