(561d) Exploring Sustainable Pathways for U.S. BTX Production

The U.S. chemicals subsector is a cornerstone of the national economy, playing a crucial role in maintaining the country's industrial strength and global competitiveness. Within the U.S. manufacturing sector, it accounts for a significant portion of energy use and emissions. In line with policies that prioritize economic growth and energy independence, this study explores strategies to enhance the sustainability of chemical manufacturing processes without compromising economic vitality. This work evaluates a range of technology options for Benzene-Toluene-Xylene (BTX) production from 2018 to 2050, which is one of the nine high-volume, energy- and emission-intensive basic chemicals (i.e., Ethylene, Propylene, Butadiene, Benzene-Toluene-Xylene (BTX), Chlor-Alkali (Chlorine and Sodium Hydroxide co-production), Soda Ash, Ethanol, Methanol, and Ammonia). The study examines four key pillars: Energy Efficiency, Electrification, Low-Carbon Fuels, Feedstocks, and Energy Sources (LCFFES), and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). Under business as usual (BAU) operations, electrification pillar takes the lead, entirely driven by a substantial reduction in electricity grid emission intensities, followed by the LCFFES pillar, which contributes significantly to achieve the level of emissions reduction. From the BAU scenario to the ambitious scenario, CCUS assumes a central role and makes a substantial contribution from the BTX aromatics plants, while LCFFES improvement remains instrumental in achieving further emissions reduction for sustainable pathway for BTX production. This comprehensive approach not only supports the sustainable production of BTX but also aligns with national priorities of fostering economic growth and ensuring energy security.

Acknowledgements
Argonne National Laboratory’s work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office under contract DE-AC02-06CH11357.