Saras Group and the University
Developing innovation
Saras, through Sarlux and its other Group companies, continues during these months its activities as part of its corporate social responsibility and pursues the exchange of know-how with the University of Cagliari.
A particularly interesting partner, given its educational and training objectives, is the Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Material Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering, with which the Saras Group regularly organises seminars, meetings, workshops and internships, thanks to our collaboration with the Department’s director professor Giacomo Cao.
The seminars, currently held online due to Covid-19 related restrictions, are important opportunities for interaction between Saras and the University that provide added value to the students, the territory, the labour market and the local community.
During the workshop, managers and engineers from the Saras Group presented the company: an industrial site that is fully integrated between refining, energy production and petrochemical production, which brings added value to the area in terms of economic, social, cognitive and environmental growth and which, above all, is committed to the continuous improvement of innovative processes acquired in full respect of safety at work and environmental protection by continuously applying the best HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) standards.
Saras’ ongoing commitment to operational excellence is demonstrated by the many certifications that the Group holds.
Towards the energy transition
An important part of the workshop is the presentation of the innovations under development in the Group companies on energy saving and environmental sustainability.
The Saras Group’s roadmap is fully aligned with the European Green Deal and the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC).
The Green Deal, established by the European Union, sets out the lines of action to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while the PNIEC defines the medium/long-term national strategy for sustainable economic development.
A sustainable future
The Saras Group is developing innovation in various projects for the upgrade of the refinery, in line with European regulations:
- the production of biofuels through the “co-processing” of unrefined vegetable oils sent to diesel desulphurisation plants, exploiting the existing potential of the industrial facilities (without the need for technology upgrades) and the availability of hydrogen, and streamlining logistics.
- the production of Green Hydrogen, which will be added to the “grey” hydrogen currently produced by IGCC and Reforming, through the electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable sources (with co-production of usable oxygen at the IGCC) – Saras – Enel Green Power agreement (February 2021)
- the Carbon Capture and permanent Storage (CSS) project, which aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions fully in line with the best technologies recommended by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Knowledge and skills are our assets
For students, the technical and management skills of the Saras Group people offer a gateway to the world of innovative industrial production.
The quality and skill of new graduates is an investment for companies to meet future innovation challenges, increase efficiency and know-how and improve sustainability aspects.
Interesting feedback
I feel the meeting was very constructive, because it allowed us students to see for ourselves what we could be doing in our future. In addition, the decision to screen explanatory videos made the presentation very interesting, as, at least for me personally, I was able to see the working environment of a chemical engineer for the first time. Finally, the added value of this meeting was certainly its ability to clarify our doubts and inform us in a clear, simple and concise manner.
Silvia
First of all, I found the meeting extremely interesting; in particular, one of the topics that struck me most was the policies in the field of environmental sustainability, together with the research projects underway and the results achieved so far. Seeing how a company that seemingly deals exclusively with refining crude oil actually focuses on so much more was really enlightening.Another very interesting aspect was seeing how versatile the job of the chemical engineer is and how they do not play a specific role but can aspire to different roles within a company.
Finally, I would like to reiterate how stimulating the meeting was. At the moment, I think I am not the only one who has lost a bit of motivation as a result of this whole situation. So realising that the academic path and everything we are studying will lead us to a dynamic reality in which we can get involved, like the one you have shown us, has been a great help!
Nicola
The presentation was very interesting. The speakers were engaging and I would welcome the opportunity to participate in further meetings and also visit the industrial site.
Silvia
I think this initiative is very interesting and important for our professional training. We had the opportunity to get to know one of the areas of work in which engineering is particularly relevant. The engineers were all really interesting and thorough in their description of the company’s various skills and the engineers within it. I feel it was a very positive experience.
Marco
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.