Philadelphia Energy Solutions – Nan Lin – 2016

Goals

Each day, approximately 335,000 barrels of crude oil are processed at Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ (PES) oil refining complex, the largest on the East Coast. Having already enlisted EDF Climate Corps fellows, PES had carried out a number of energy efficiency projects. Now, it is interested in pursuing energy investments of even greater scope. Nan Lin, another fellow, was brought in to design water conservation strategies and evaluate the potential for solar installations at the refining complex.

Solutions

After a thorough analysis of water balance, Nan interviewed over 20 internal and external stakeholders to better understand PES’ current water use and potential reuse of waste water. She recommended that PES implement several maintenance projects to improve the condensate recovery system. She too, crafted a capital project proposal for upgrading the existing utilities facility to a water treatment system capable of recycling cooling tower blowdown to boiler feed water make-up. 

To develop PES’ renewable energy strategy, Nan identified potential sites at the refining complex for solar carports and solar farms. She took into account the site specs, transmission, interconnection and environmental concerns. She also engaged solar vendors to work together on optimizing site design and selecting the best equipment to maximize the project’s output and performance.

Potential Impact

Nan’s recommendations for reusing process water and reducing total water and energy use, will result in significant financial savings as well as increase PES’ role as a responsible corporate citizen. Thanks to her solar design and financing scenarios, the sustainability team was open to evaluating more aggressive renewable investments that could achieve even greater GHG reductions and energy savings.