The Future of Sustainable Refineries
One positive sign for the future of refineries is the new Davis refinery which will be located near Belfield, North Dakota. As described on the Davis Refinery website, Meridian Energy Group Inc.'s new refinery will implement many sustainable technologies, and the proposed project will be the “cleanest refinery in operation on the planet.” It plans to emit “near zero harmful green-house gasses so common at other refineries” while also being a “zero [water] discharge facility” (Meridian Energy Group Inc.). As has been established, refineries are a necessity for the near future. Nobody wants a refinery in their “backyard”, but the Davis refinery offers a way for Meridian Energy to economically refine Bakken oil without substantial drawbacks for the environment and people living nearby. This new refinery will reach a balance between the sustainability that our planet needs, and the oil products that society demands.
Climate change is a major issue facing our society today, and refineries need to take action to reduce their environmental impact. The mass amounts of pollutants and greenhouse gases that are emitted from the refining process negatively affect the health of the environment and the people living near refineries. Also, the amount of fresh, clean water around the world is limited, and refineries put a major strain on these resources. Most oil companies are financially capable of investing in sustainable technology, but opt out in order to increase their profit. Without a major shift in the industry, refineries will continue to contribute to the destruction of our planet.
- Meridian Energy Group Inc. Davis Refinery. Meridian Energy Group Inc. Web. 29 Nov. 2017.
