As the refining sector looks for ways to maintain its status as a major employer in a highly-skilled industry, one possible role is to play a part in the establishment of high-technology industrial clusters that contribute to the economy by creating low-carbon products in a carbon neutral way.
What are industrial clusters?
The 'cluster concept' seeks opportunities between adjacent industries for integrated processes, operations and business models. In particular, clusters offer an opportunity for businesses to improve energy efficiency, produce low-carbon products and technologies and decarbonise their operations to a greater extent than could be achieved alone.
Companies in a cluster could draw on collaborations with non-commercial actors, such as government agencies, educational and skills providers and other institutions to provide specialist training, information, research and technical support.