• Green experts endorse refurbishing old industrial equipment instead of replacing it, as it is more sustainable and economical.
• For a smooth energy transition, there is an urgent need for new process technologies and novel catalytic materials.

The DECARBON 2025 conference concluded in Berlin, Germany, at the beginning of February 2025. The following are some of the highlights from the event.

Oil and gas leaders from all over the world participated and shared opinions about how innovative solutions help reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy practices. The conference focused on a raft of topics, from hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies to circular economy principles and advancements in refining processes.

One of the central topics was the larger role of hydrogen in decarbonisation, particularly renewable hydrogen. Experts debated the standardisation of large-scale hydrogen projects and how Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) can lower emissions in hydrogen production.

READ MORE: CFM Launches €150m Energy Transition and Green Hydrogen Fund

Dr. Christoph von dem Bussche, Managing Director at GASCADE Gastransport GmbH, examined the need for linking onshore and offshore hydrogen grids in Europe, considering the North Sea and its immense wind energy potential.

He explained, “The region offers several advantages, including important projects for offshore energy infrastructure like AquaDuctus. However, the development of this infrastructure faces legal, financial, technical and spatial challenges.”

Meanwhile, another discussion was around decarbonising the downstream sector, involving refining and processing fuels. The leaders spent time discoursing themes, including water management for energy efficiency, e-fuel production, and biorefinery technologies.

Dr. Matthias Schwab (Director Sustainability & Global New Business Development at BASF Process Catalysts) said: "At least 80% of the processes in chemical industries require the use of catalysts today. For the energy transition, there is an urgent need for new process technologies and consequently for novel catalytic materials, too."

The sustainability event also focused on the outsized role of circularity, which includes reusing materials and optimising processes to reduce emissions. Green experts exhorted refurbishing old industrial equipment instead of replacing it, as it is more energy-efficient and lowers operational costs.

READ MORE: What is the circular economy and how can it benefit your business?

Finally, the event concluded with talks on measuring decarbonisation progress and how energy companies are aligning with EU sustainability goals. The event organisers also revealed the date of the next event, which will take place in February 2026 in Vösendorf, Austria.

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