Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast

Episode

• The story behind America’s first new refinery in 50 years 08.07.2026 19mnt

  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 the challenges of developing a new refinery in today's energy landscape, its impact on the local community, and the environmental strategies that have been built into the project from the outset.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine. Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine delivers world-class industry subject matter expertise, unparalleled technical and specification service, and unmatched regional commercial team support to customers around the globe, including in the energy market. The company’s broad portfolio of high-performance coatings and systems – including protective liquid and powder coatings, as well as fire protection coatings – excel at combating corrosion and help customers achieve smarter, time-tested asset protection. For more information, visit protective.sherwin.com.
• Drones in tank storage: opportunity or threat? 24.06.2026 16mnt

  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.Practical examples of how drones can improve safety and security at terminals.Potential security concerns and how they can be addressed.The implications of the Federal Aviation Administration’s proposed beyond visual line of sight rule change for industrial drone operations.And much more.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine. Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine delivers world-class industry subject matter expertise, unparalleled technical and specification service, and unmatched regional commercial team support to customers around the globe, including in the energy market. The company’s broad portfolio of high-performance coatings and systems – including protective liquid and powder coatings, as well as fire protection coatings – excel at combating corrosion and help customers achieve smarter, time-tested asset protection. For more information, visit protective.sherwin.com.
• Why certification matters more than ever 10.06.2026 23mnt

  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 develop the next generation of inspection professionals worldwide. We also consider how ICP continues to address some of the emerging changes and challenges facing the oil and gas sector.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine. Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine delivers world-class industry subject matter expertise, unparalleled technical and specification service, and unmatched regional commercial team support to customers around the globe, including in the energy market. The company’s broad portfolio of high-performance coatings and systems – including protective liquid and powder coatings, as well as fire protection coatings – excel at combating corrosion and help customers achieve smarter, time-tested asset protection. For more information, visit protective.sherwin.com.
• How to specify optimal coatings to combat an array of corrosion challenges 20.05.2026 20mnt

  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 hydrocarbon processing facilities face related to downtime and safety risks. He reviews what producers can do to reduce those risks, touching on the importance of:Using protective linings that ensure asset integrity and product purity, particularly for tanks housing more aggressive products such as biofuels and corrosive crude oil.Assessing high-temperature and high-corrosion environments to determine why existing coatings are failing and what solutions will work better.Collaborating with inspectors, contractors, and coatings manufacturers to ensure processes and commodities are understood so they can specify the optimal coatings for applications.Asking for help and involving technical service representatives from reputable suppliers when assessing and preparing specifications.Planning ahead for plant turnarounds and general maintenance activities so the most critical coatings needs can be addressed first.Tune in to learn how to better battle corrosion throughout your facility with the right protective coatings solutions.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine. Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine delivers world-class industry subject matter expertise, unparalleled technical and specification service, and unmatched regional commercial team support to customers around the globe, including in the energy market. The company’s broad portfolio of high-performance coatings and systems – including protective liquid and powder coatings, as well as fire protection coatings – excel at combating corrosion and help customers achieve smarter, time-tested asset protection. For more information, visit protective.sherwin.com.
• Has the turning point for CCS arrived? 07.05.2026 23mnt

  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’ll also look beyond the short-term to see what role CCS will play as a key decarbonisation lever into the future. Listen to discover:What regions will drive the short-term scale up of CCS.The four main families of carbon capture.The most suitable capture technologies for downstream facilities.What downstream operators should be doing now to avoid missing the window of opportunity.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine. Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine delivers world-class industry subject matter expertise, unparalleled technical and specification service, and unmatched regional commercial team support to customers around the globe, including in the energy market. The company’s broad portfolio of high-performance coatings and systems – including protective liquid and powder coatings, as well as fire protection coatings – excel at combating corrosion and help customers achieve smarter, time-tested asset protection. For more information, visit protective.sherwin.com.
• Innovations within industrial insulation 22.04.2026 32mnt

  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) and the complexity of finding the most appropriate solution to this challenge.The transformation of stone (mineral) wool insulation in recent years.Key features of mineral wool insulation that can help improve safety in a plant.And much more.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation. Designed for durability and sustainability, ROCKWOOL’s high-performance stone wool insulation helps control process temperatures, reduce energy loss, mitigate corrosion under insulation, and enhance fire and acoustic protection. The result – safer operations, improved asset integrity, and long-term performance across critical process industries. Learn more at https://rti.rockwool.com.
• Natural gas: an unexpected bridge fuel 08.04.2026 20mnt

  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 well-prepared the US power system is to support the AI data centre boom.The rising trend of onsite natural gas generation for AI loads.The connection between LNG expansion in the US and domestic gas demand.What the emerging triangle between gas supply, LNG terminals, and data centre hubs means for regulatory policy and investors.And much more.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation. Designed for durability and sustainability, ROCKWOOL’s high-performance stone wool insulation helps control process temperatures, reduce energy loss, mitigate corrosion under insulation, and enhance fire and acoustic protection. The result – safer operations, improved asset integrity, and long-term performance across critical process industries. Learn more at https://rti.rockwool.com.
• SAF: ready to take flight 25.03.2026 36mnt

  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.We assess the role that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will play in reducing emissions in the near to medium-term. Maurits outlines the most promising production pathways and technology innovations that have the greatest potential to improve efficiency and/or reduce costs.Maurits also considers the most effective policy mechanisms and regional approaches for creating stable demand and investment confidence.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation. Designed for durability and sustainability, ROCKWOOL’s high-performance stone wool insulation helps control process temperatures, reduce energy loss, mitigate corrosion under insulation, and enhance fire and acoustic protection. The result – safer operations, improved asset integrity, and long-term performance across critical process industries. Learn more at https://rti.rockwool.com.
• TSCA: a critical turning point 04.03.2026 17mnt

  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-based approach to a more hazard-based approach.What is at stake if TSCA continues to be implemented in a way that focuses on worst‑case or hypothetical scenarios rather than real‑world conditions.Why policymakers and the public should care about how TSCA is reauthorised and implemented.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation. Designed for durability and sustainability, ROCKWOOL’s high-performance stone wool insulation helps control process temperatures, reduce energy loss, mitigate corrosion under insulation, and enhance fire and acoustic protection. The result – safer operations, improved asset integrity, and long-term performance across critical process industries. Learn more at https://rti.rockwool.com.
• LNG outlook: North and Latin America 19.02.2026 13mnt

  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 American LNG market, including the impact of recent developments in Venezuela.Structural shifts in the North American LNG market beyond 2026.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation. Designed for durability and sustainability, ROCKWOOL’s high-performance stone wool insulation helps control process temperatures, reduce energy loss, mitigate corrosion under insulation, and enhance fire and acoustic protection. The result – safer operations, improved asset integrity, and long-term performance across critical process industries. Learn more at https://rti.rockwool.com.
• The rollercoaster ride of 2025 04.02.2026 23mnt

  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, which surprised to the upside. How the petrochemical sector fared in 2025.The impact of trade tariffs.How recent developments in Venezuela will impact the refining market.Alan’s advice for industry participants in the year ahead.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation. Designed for durability and sustainability, ROCKWOOL’s high-performance stone wool insulation helps control process temperatures, reduce energy loss, mitigate corrosion under insulation, and enhance fire and acoustic protection. The result – safer operations, improved asset integrity, and long-term performance across critical process industries. Learn more at https://rti.rockwool.com.
• Reviewing the first year of Trump's administration 11.12.2025 14mnt

  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 Protection Agency’s (EPA) tailpipe emissions standards.Energy policy reform.The Renewable Fuel Standard.And much more.
• Protecting against LNG pool fires 19.11.2025 21mnt

  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 FOAMGLAS PFS System, and how the results can help LNG facility designers meet regulations and make their facilities safer.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Owens Corning FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation — an impermeable insulation trusted in high-performing hydrocarbon processing facilities around the globe. Learn more at https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/insulation/foamglas
• Evaluating the challenges and opportunities of CCUS 23.10.2025 25mnt

  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 differences in how CCUS is being approached.Unique challenges or opportunities when applying CCUS to refineries and petrochemical plants.How CCUS is becoming integrated with other decarbonisation pathways in the downstream sector.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Owens Corning FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation — an impermeable insulation trusted in high-performing hydrocarbon processing facilities around the globe. Learn more at https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/insulation/foamglas
• Oil, gas, and the data centre boom 24.09.2025 25mnt

  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 will play as data centres push for net zero emissions.Why uncertainty around renewables in the US will shift the outlook of the energy mix moving forward.How the oil and gas industry’s role in the data centre ecosystem will evolve in the future.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Owens Corning FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation — an impermeable insulation trusted in high-performing hydrocarbon processing facilities around the globe. Learn more at https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/insulation/foamglas
• Insights into the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations 10.09.2025 14mnt

  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 round of talks in August 2025. Rob provides insight into the negotiation process and explains how AFPM envisions a successful global agreement on plastic waste. He also offers his thoughts on what comes next for the negotiations, and whether the US will remain engaged in the process.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Owens Corning FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation — an impermeable insulation trusted in high-performing hydrocarbon processing facilities around the globe. Learn more at https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/insulation/foamglas
• Midstream matters 27.08.2025 32mnt

  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, reliable and cleaner energy. Sarah also outlines how GPA Midstream enables collaboration between its member companies, and bridges the gap between technical realities and the policymaking process.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Owens Corning FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation — an impermeable insulation trusted in high-performing hydrocarbon processing facilities around the globe. Learn more at https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/insulation/foamglas
• Overcoming downstream challenges with new technology 13.08.2025 17mnt

  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 Honeywell and how it contributes to faster problem-solving with enhanced data and predictions. We also discuss the vital importance of industry partnerships.Download Honeywell's recent webinar with Borealis, 'Q&A: Transforming process optimisation: leveraging AI, cloud & digital twins with Honeywell and Borealis', here: www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/webinars/honeywell-process-solutions/qa-transforming-process-optimisation-leveraging-ai-cloud-digital-twins-with-honeywell-and-borealis/This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Owens Corning FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation — an impermeable insulation trusted in high-performing hydrocarbon processing facilities around the globe. Learn more at https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/insulation/foamglas
• The energy sector's evolving digital landscape 30.07.2025 24mnt

  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 building trust in AI, and consider how the sector is navigating new workforce demands.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Owens Corning FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation — an impermeable insulation trusted in high-performing hydrocarbon processing facilities around the globe. Learn more at https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/insulation/foamglas
• Process safety improvements in the downstream sector 16.07.2025 13mnt

  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.We also explore what factors are the most challenging to control in terms of process safety, and best guidance for managing these challenges.This episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast is sponsored by Owens Corning FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation — an impermeable insulation trusted in high-performing hydrocarbon processing facilities around the globe. Learn more at https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/insulation/foamglas