Sunoco's Commitment to Energy Conservation
Sunoco established a formal energy conservation program at its refineries in 1975. This program instituted an organized approach to achieving energy conservation goals by carrying out capital projects and by improving operating and maintenance practices.
The current program focuses on energy awareness and operational improvements to utilize energy more effectively in everyday operations. It also includes the incorporation of energy conservation technology into major facility expansions or upgrades. Although Sunoco has a continuous improvement policy, the energy-intensive nature of the low-sulfur fuels requirements and the federal EPA global settlement initiative are expected to offset cost-effective energy use reduction programs through at least 2012.
Each refinery pursues specific energy conservation objectives designed to achieve its yearly energy use reduction target.
Energy Management Strategy
The Sunoco Refining and Supply Energy group has set a goal to reduce the refining Energy Intensity Index (EII) by seven points across all five refineries over the next ten years. The EMS programs have the potential to improve energy efficiency almost 8% over 10 years. However, the energy-intensive nature of process units necessary to meet fuel specification changes and environmental emissions reductions over the next several years may offset some of these energy reductions.
Additionally, a Sunoco Energy Management System (SEMS) is being developed and implemented to ensure sustained gains. The plan incorporates Monitoring, Optimization, and a Capital Program.
When developing SEMS (with the assistance of Toyota Motors – an ENERGY STAR® partner) a very successful practice called “Treasure Hunts” was created. A Treasure Hunt is a focused review of our operations by outside resources. Energy Coordinators from other facilities, with the help of an experienced consultant, look for the “Gold Nuggets” within the refineries.
An eight-week effort at the Eagle Point Refinery resulted in optimizing steam turbine use while minimizing steam venting. This reduces boiler firing, saves fuel, and is expected to yield a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of about 5,500 tons per month. The survey team also discovered low-cost methods of recovering saleable product from the refinery fuel system. These combined efforts have the potential to save 1,900 billion BTUs per year.
“Treasure Hunt” activities were performed at the Toledo and Tulsa refineries late in 2006. Efforts in 2007 will be focused on implementing the identified improvements. To date, the potential savings identified are approximately $18 million and $5 million per year, respectively.
Committed to Energy Savings
ENERGY STAR® is a partnership between the EPA and Industry to advance energy conservation. This voluntary program helps organizations achieve superior energy performance while protecting the environment.
Sunoco joined ENERGY STAR® in 1998 and reconfirmed our commitment to the program in May of 2006. As a part of our commitment to the program, Sunoco will:
- Baseline, track, and benchmark Sunoco’s energy performance by using tools such as those offered through ENERGY STAR®;
- Develop and implement a plan to reduce energy intensity across our facilities and operations by adopting the energy management strategy provided through ENERGY STAR®; and,
- Educate our staff and the public about our partnership in ENERGY STAR®, and highlight our achievements with recognition offered through ENERGY STAR®.
ENERGY STAR® Activities
Sunoco continually benchmarks performance through the use of Energy Intensity Index (EII) and Utilized Equivalent Distillation Capacity (UEDC) indicators. These targets and updates are embedded in our yearly goals and routine performance reviews where year-to-year performance is reviewed and expectations for future improvements are set.
Through ENERGY STAR®, Sunoco has participated in two Petroleum Sector Energy Focus Group meetings. The meetings enable the sharing of energy management experiences with peers from other refining companies. Sunoco hosted the second of these meetings in Philadelphia on December 14, 2006.
An ENERGY STAR® Petrochemicals Focus group is currently being formed, and Sunoco will be a founding member.
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