Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast
The Hydrocarbon Engineering podcast is a series aimed at professionals in the downstream refining, petrochemical, and gas processing industries. It covers topics relevant to the hydrocarbon engineering sector.
Episodes
Laying the foundations for industrial AI
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, we’re joined by Simon Rogers, Chief Technology Officer at KBC (A Yokogawa Company). Simon explains how physics-based models, AI, and contextualised enterprise data are converging to improve performance and decision making in the downstream sector.We discuss: What has changed in the industry that makes process twins and industrial AI
Drone security: protecting critical infrastructure
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, we explore the growing security concerns surrounding unauthorised drone operations near critical infrastructure. We’re joined by Matthew Fuller, Senior Policy Analyst, Regulatory Affairs, at American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), to discuss the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) proposed rule for implementin
CCS: from concept to reality
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is approaching a critical turning point. In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, we speak with Algert Prifti, CCUS Solutions Portfolio Manager at Black & Veatch, about what is driving the shift towards commercial carbon capture adoption, from the growth of gas-fired power for data centres to emerging opportunities across industrial faci
Tank storage: security, resilience, and the energy transition
Peter Davidson, CEO of the Tank Storage Association (TSA), returns to the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast to discuss the changing role of tank storage in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.He explores the impact of geopolitical uncertainty, security of supply, the energy transition, process safety, and workforce wellbeing, as well as what lies ahead for the sector.This episode of the Hyd
Engineering the future of midstream
Midstream may sit between upstream and downstream, but the engineering challenges it faces are interrelated, from safety and emissions management to measurement and human capital. In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, Dave Curtis, Vice President of Technical Services at GPA Midstream, explores the vital role of industry collaboration in developing solutions to some of t
Inside the cyber arms race
The cyber threats facing the oil and gas sector are constantly evolving, and are more urgent now than ever before.We talk to Auke Huistra, Director for Industrial and OT Security at DNV Cyber, about what companies in the energy sector can do to improve their cyber resilience. Listen to discover:How the threat landscape has evolved, alongside a shift in leadership mindset.The five key chal
The story behind America’s first new refinery in 50 years
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, we speak with John Calce, Chairman and Founder of America First Refining, about the vision behind the US’ first new greenfield refinery since the 1970s. We consider the role that it could play in strengthening US refining capacity and energy security, and the significance of its design to process 100% US shale oil. We also explore th
Drones in tank storage: opportunity or threat?
Drones are rapidly becoming a key tool in the tank storage sector, offering new ways to improve safety, efficiency, and data insight. In this episode, Jay Cruz, Vice President of Government Affairs at the International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA), explores how drone technology is reshaping terminal operations.We consider: Whether we are past the trial phase for drone technology.Pr
Why certification matters more than ever
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, we speak with Andri Orphanides, Director of American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Individual Certification Programs (ICP), about the growing importance of certification and competence in the downstream oil and gas industry. Andri shares insights into how API’s certification programmes help support safer, more reliable operations, and
How to specify optimal coatings to combat an array of corrosion challenges
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, John Zimmerman, Key Account Manager for Sherwin‑Williams Protective & Marine, covers an array of common corrosion challenges energy producers face and how to specify the ideal coatings to mitigate those threats.From tank interiors to insulated piping, John covers the hidden – and not so hidden – costs of corrosion that hydrocarbo
Has the turning point for CCS arrived?
Has the turning point for carbon capture and storage (CCS) arrived? We ask Pedram Fainaloo, Director of the Low Carbon & CCS Segment – North America, Energy Systems at DNV, in this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast. Pedram explores the findings of DNV’s latest ‘Energy Transition Outlook’ and outlines some of the most viable CCS opportunities in downstream operations. We’l
Innovations within industrial insulation
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, we’re joined by Jack Blundell, Sales Director, ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation, to discuss some of the game-changing innovations in industrial insulation that can help tackle the critical topic of corrosion. We explore:Why insulation is typically used in industrial facilities.The persistent problem of corrosion under insulation (CUI) a
Natural gas: an unexpected bridge fuel
Simon Lack, Managing Partner at SL Advisors LLC and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Catalyst Energy Infrastructure Fund (MLXIX), talks us through natural gas’ emerging role as a bridge fuel that is powering two fast-growing industries: AI-driven data centres and US LNG exports. We consider:Emerging US hotspots where natural gas supply, pipeline access, and data centre development align.How we
SAF: ready to take flight
Maurits van Tol, CEO of Catalyst Technologies, Johnson Matthey, joins us to discuss Johnson Matthey’s vision for the global energy transition. We explore how catalyst and additive technologies are evolving to handle more complex feedstocks while maintaining performance, and which advances could improve efficiency and reduce carbon intensity in hydrogen, syngas, and chemicals production.W
TSCA: a critical turning point
RobRob Benedict, Vice President for Petrochemicals and Midstream at American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), guides us on the latest developments with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which is at a critical turning point right now. Rob explains:What TSCA is and why it matters so much to the petrochemical and manufacturing sectors right now.The shift from a risk-base
LNG outlook: North and Latin America
Fauzeya Rahman, LNG Specialist and Editor at ICIS, joins us to explore the key trends, opportunities and challenges facing the LNG markets across North and Latin America into 2026 and beyond. We discuss:What the LNG landscape looks like coming out of 2025.The fastest evolving regions in the North American market.How the US LNG deals space is shaping up for 2026.The evolution of the Latin
The rollercoaster ride of 2025
The rollercoaster ride of 2025In our first episode of the year, we’re joined by Alan Gelder, Senior Vice President of Refining, Chemicals and Oil Markets at Wood Mackenzie. Alan provides us with a summary of the key takeaways from the refining and petrochemical industries in 2025, and considers what 2026 may have in store for the downstream sector.We discuss: Refining margins in 2025, whi
Reviewing the first year of Trump's administration
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast we’re joined by Geoff Moody, Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Policy at American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), to review the first year of President Trump’s second term in office. We’ll consider the impact that the Trump administration has had on fuel policy in the US, examining:The US Environmental
Protecting against LNG pool fires
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, Alec Cusick, Owens Corning Technical Lead, Technical Insulation, joins us to talk about the risks of LNG pool fires and methodologies to mitigate these risks.Alec discusses active and passive solutions, including Owens Corning's FOAMGLAS® Pool Fire Suppression™ (PFS) System.We discuss recent testing that was performed on the FOAMGLA
Evaluating the challenges and opportunities of CCUS
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, Andrea Bombardi, Executive Vice President, RINA, guides us through some of the key challenges and opportunities of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) implementation. Some of the topics discussed include:Where CCUS fits into the long-term energy landscape.Lessons learned from CO₂ pipeline transport trials globally.Regional
Oil, gas, and the data centre boom
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, David Wilson, CEO, Energy Exemplar, talks us through the data centre boom and the vital role that oil and gas has to play in the energy mix.David explores whether oil and gas is keeping up with demand so far and whether it will continue to do so as data centres grow and expand.Other topics include:The role that low-carbon gas and CCS
Insights into the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, we’re joined by Rob Benedict, Vice President, Petrochemicals and Midstream, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), to discuss the outcomes of the final round of UN negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty. Rob provides background on the negotiations and updates us on how they are progressing following the sixth roun
Midstream matters
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, Sarah Miller, President and CEO of the GPA Midstream Association, and CEO of GPSA, joins us to discuss the technical and economic importance of the midstream sector to the oil and gas industry. We consider some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and how midstream will meet future demand with affordable, re
Overcoming downstream challenges with new technology
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, Omar Sayeed, Centre of Excellence Leader for Reliability, and Rahul Negi, Director of AI and Industrial Autonomous, Honeywell Process Solutions, join us to consider how new, innovative technology can help to overcome some of the challenges facing the downstream oil and gas sector.This episode explores the concept of human autonomy at
The energy sector's evolving digital landscape
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, Graham Faiz, Head of Digital Energy, DNV, explores the current state of digitalisation in the energy sector and the key drivers behind digital transformation. Graham considers how companies can move from pilot projects to full-scale deployment of AI and digital tools.We also explore the role of digital twins, the importance of buildi
Process safety improvements in the downstream sector
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, Lara Swett, Vice President of Technical & Safety Programs, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), joins us to explain how the downstream sector has continued to improve its process safety record.Lara outlines what has changed over the past decade to ensure that Tier 1 process safety events have been cut in half.W
Education and training for every phase of the insulating system design process
In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, Brandon Stambaugh, Owens Corning Director for Technical Services, joins us to discuss engineers’ demand for education and training to support the critical phases that affect the performance and longevity of insulating systems.Brandon explains how projects typically happen in three phases: design and specification, construction, and p
Travelling towards sustainability: exploring the economics of e-fuels
In this special episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast, we sit down with a panel of experts to consider the economics of e-fuels.We’re joined by Zinovia Skoufa, Managing Director, Methanol, Johnson Matthey; Tommy Lykke Wind, Senior Future Fuels Manager, A.P. Moller-Maersk; Leigh Abrams, Senior Business Leader, Emerging Renewable Fuels, Honeywell; Clara Bowman, COO, HIF Global; and
The impact of trade wars on oil demand and prices
In this episode, we sit down with Susan Bell, Senior Vice President within Commodity Markets – Oil, Rystad Energy, to consider the impact that trade wars have on global oil demand and oil prices. We discuss the immediate aftermath of President Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariff announcements, and the impact that these tariffs continue to have on the global oil market. Susan offers her opini
The importance of trade associations and industry collaborations
In this episode, we’re joined by Leakhena Swett, President of the International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA), and Jay Cruz, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications. Leakhena and Jay consider the key role of industry associations and explain how the ILTA advocates for its members. We also discuss the importance of knowledge-sharing and industry collaborations, and
Essential considerations for insulating systems in cryogenic facilities
Mike Logue, Owens Corning Global Business Director – Mechanical Insulation, delves into factors that can support the performance, safety and longevity of insulating systems installed in hydrocarbon processing environments, including cryogenic facilities.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Owens Corning FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation — an impermeable in
The heat pump way to more sustainable energy
Rasmus Rubycz, Market Manager for New Energy at Atlas Copco Gas and Process, considers how heat pumps as an industrial technology are gaining greater attention as a result of the increased drive for sustainability and the challenges and opportunities of electrification of process heat. He also introduces different technologies and considers how they perform in comparison to hydrogen and d
The role of tank storage in a changing world
Peter Davidson, CEO of the Tank Storage Association (TSA), joins us to discuss the essential role that the tank storage sector has to play in ensuring supply security and resilience, as well as in facilitating the energy transition.Peter discusses how new technologies are evolving for the tank storage sector, and what the possible implications are for the workforce. He also offers his tho
High-speed hydrogen compression
Dr Klaus Brun, Global Director of Research & Development, Ebara Elliott Energy, joins us to discuss the progress that is being made towards adapting centrifugal compressors for high-speed hydrogen compression.Klaus talks us through some of the challenges of the transition to carbon-free energy by 2050, and the important role that hydrogen will have to play. We discuss the benefits of
Looking back, moving forward: reflections on 2024 & an outlook for 2025
In this episode, Alan Gelder, Senior Vice President of Refining, Chemicals and Oil Markets at Wood Mackenzie, provides a review of downstream markets in 2024 and looks ahead to what 2025 may hold for the sector. This episode of the podcast covers:Reflections on the downstream sector in 2024Predictions for a new Trump presidencyOil demand growthSupply and demand dynamics in 2025Refining ma
