Concawe – Water Use and Efficiencies in Refineries, Sep 2024

The September 2024 Concawe report examines water use and efficiency practices within European refineries, emphasizing environmental impacts and resource management. This report, conducted by ERM on behalf of Concawe, provides an in-depth look at water consumption in EU refineries, aiming to establish a refining water footprint and highlight alternative practices to reduce stress on local water resources. Three main categories of water use are analyzed: process water, cooling water, and non-process water (e.g., for firefighting and cleaning). Challenges include monitoring baselines, implementing water-saving techniques, and handling contaminants from water reuse. This report aligns with upcoming regulatory changes and proposes strategies for optimizing water efficiency in a sector facing increasing scrutiny.