Title : A chemistry without oil: Why and how Europe can transition beyond fossil feedstocks
Abstract:
The European chemical industry remains structurally dependent on fossil feedstocks, not only as an energy source but as a source of carbon. Although chemicals represent a limited share of total oil and gas consumption, they account for a significant fraction of industrial greenhouse gas emissions due to feedstock decomposition and energy intensive processes. In the context of European climate neutrality targets, rising carbon prices, resource volatility, and geopolitical exposure, continued reliance on fossil carbon is increasingly incompatible with long term industrial competitiveness.
This presentation first addresses why European chemistry must decouple from fossil feedstocks. Fossil resources are predominantly extracted to be combusted, whereas chemical production requires molecular carbon that can, in principle, be sourced from alternative and renewable pools. The challenge therefore lies less in reducing chemical demand than in redefining carbon sourcing strategies for chemical value chains.
The second part demonstrates that such a transition is technically feasible and economically viable. Complementary pathways are emerging, combining sustainable biomass, recycled organic carbon, captured CO? coupled with low carbon hydrogen, and deep electrification of processes. Technologies including bio based olefins, chemical recycling, methanol to olefins platforms, electrified cracking, and phosgene free synthesis routes have moved beyond proof of concept and are approaching industrial deployment. While this transition significantly increases electricity demand, analyses show that economic growth can be decoupled from fossil carbon use provided that low carbon power and circular material flows scale simultaneously.
Finally, a concrete industrial–academic case study is discussed through an ongoing European CIFRE PhD project focused on the development of bio based isocyanates and polyether polyols for polyurethane and construction chemical applications. Without disclosing confidential results, the project illustrates how conventional fossil based molecules can be progressively substituted while maintaining performance and industrial relevance.
