Work

Connected, complex, and carbonized: The country archetypes of the petrochemicals sector

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The petrochemicals sector is known to be “hard-to-decarbonise” due to its innate requirement for fossil fuels for feedstocks, high greenhouse gas emissions, and highly interconnected and complex supply chains. The sector's complexity makes it difficult to decipher how, when, and where to intervene. Every country has a different level of embroilment in the petrochemicals sector, further complicating the solution space, with no one-fits-all policy recommendation. This research examines the structure of the petrochemicals sector to categorize countries into groups which will respond similarly to different decarbonization solutions. The Country Archetypes of the Petrochemicals Sector (CAP) model categorizes 152 countries within a three-dimensional grid, with eight archetypes established at the corners. The characteristics of each archetype, and their implications for decarbonization strategies are discussed. The CAP model can facilitate region-specific recommendations for decarbonization options and investments to have the most success in reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions.

Source: Energy Research & Social Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2024.103826

Authors: Ella T. Jennings, Penny J. Hamlin, Chris Hamlin, Jonathan M. Cullen

Institution: University of Cambridge

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change Policy and Economics

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,300