An important step for the energy transition

Saras is committed to a long-term transformation of the energy sector.

The Saras Group’s activities have always been characterised by a strong focus on sustainability, through projects and investments aimed at cutting emissions and increasing the energy efficiency of the Sarroch refinery, to help to achieve the EU’s decarbonisation targets. Saras’ energy transition strategy involves a series of projects that fit perfectly our long-standing commitment to sustainable development and include, alongside the development of new capacity from renewable sources, the reduction of CO₂ emissions from the Sarlux refinery through the use of hydrogen with a low carbon footprint, the production of low-carbon fuels that can meet specific market needs and actions to improve the energy efficiency of production processes.

Saras has embarked on a path that encourages responsible use of a precious natural resource while promoting sustainable living for the whole planet. Together with Air Liquide, we are launching a study to decarbonise the Sarlux refinery through carbon capture and storage, an initiative in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of both companies.

Dario Scaffardi, CEO of Saras, said: “This agreement is an important step in Saras’ commitment to addressing the challenge of the energy transition, ensuring the sustainability of our production site in the medium to long term. CO₂ capture and storage is a cutting-edge technology with significant potential and is recognised as a key technology for achieving climate neutrality.

Bruno Ponson, General Manager of Air Liquide Italy, said: “We are delighted to accompany Saras in its project to decarbonise the Sarlux refinery, providing our expertise in CO₂ capture and storage technologies. Through this initiative, both companies will strengthen a partnership that has existed for more than 30 years and extend it to the fight against climate change”.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two companies provides for a study to consider different carbon capture solutions, including Air Liquide’s patented CryocapTM solution, CO₂ transport and storage solutions and their applicability. In order to operate sustainably, the Group uses sophisticated technology, innovative techniques, efficient processes and expert knowledge and skills.

The implementation of a carbon capture and storage (CCS) solution at the Sarroch site promotes the continuous sustainable development of a still essential energy source by pursuing all possible economically-viable alternatives, and will reduce the carbon footprint of the refinery and of the electricity supplied to the surrounding community.

In addition, the development of innovative and complementary solutions to traditional sources continues: from biofuels – a sector in which the Group is already active and which it is intensifying in order to seize the opportunities arising from future, stricter environmental regulations – to new-generation fuels and, finally, hydrogen. This latter fuel, which is set to have a growing role in the energy transition, is the subject of an agreement recently signed with ENEL Green Power for the production and use of green hydrogen in the refinery, through the construction of a 20MW electrolyser powered by renewable sources, which, once built, will be the largest in Italy.

The Saras Group is one of the main European oil refining operators, and is also active in the electricity generation sector. Directly and through its subsidiaries, the Group sells and distributes petroleum products on national and international markets. In addition, the Group produces and sells electricity through its subsidiaries Sarlux Srl (IGCC plant) and Sardeolica Srl (wind farm). The Group also supplies industrial engineering and research services to the oil, energy and environmental sectors through its subsidiary Sartec Srl.