WORLD REFINING ASSOCIATION
Insights from the Global Refining Industry
Analysis, interviews and perspectives from across the downstream sector, shaped by the conversations happening at our events.
LATAM Petrochemical Outlook 2026: AI in Petrochemicals—From Industry Buzzword to Operational Tool
Artificial intelligence is dominating conversations across the energy sector, but how are petrochemical companies actually using it? This ... read more
LATAM Petrochemical Outlook 2026: Why Refinery–Petrochemical Integration Is Becoming a Strategic Priority
Closer integration between refining and petrochemical operations was a recurring theme throughout the LARTC Petrochemical Advisory Board. ... read more
LATAM Petrochemical Outlook 2026: Can Vaca Muerta Unlock the Next Wave of Petrochemical Growth?
Vaca Muerta emerged as one of the most significant opportunities discussed during the LARTC Petrochemical Advisory Board. Discover why industry ... read more
LATAM Petrochemical Outlook 2026: Why Competitiveness Has Become the Industry’s Biggest Challenge
Global overcapacity, rising operating costs and increasing competition are reshaping the LATAM petrochemical industry. Discover one of the key ... read more
The Workforce Challenge Refiners Can’t Ignore
As the refining industry continues to evolve, workforce capability is emerging as one of the sector’s most significant long-term challenges. ... read more
AI in Refining: Beyond the Hype
Artificial intelligence continues to dominate conversations across the refining sector, with companies exploring how digital technologies can ... read more
Operational Excellence Wins Again
In an industry increasingly shaped by volatility and disruption, many refiners are reassessing what truly drives long-term performance. While ... read more
Refining Through Uncertainty
For North American refiners, volatility is no longer the exception, it is the operating environment. As geopolitical tensions, policy shifts and ... read more
Áron Somogyi on Advancing Refinery Performance Through Digital Twins and Advanced Modelling
Áron Somogyi, Business Support Expert in Quality Control & Advanced Modeling at MOL Group, explores how advanced modelling is becoming central ... read more
#1 Refining at a Crossroads: Strategic Context for Latin America Refining
World Refining Association Forecast Report 2026: Latin America Series | Latin America’s refining sector is operating in an era defined by ... read more
#4 SAF and Low-Carbon Fuels — Opportunity and Complexity
World Refining Association Forecast Report 2026: Latin America Series | Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) presents both opportunity and complexity ... read more
#3 AI in Refining: From Hype to Value Creation
World Refining Association Forecast Report 2026: Latin America Series | Artificial intelligence can reshape Latin American refining, but its ... read more
#2 Investment Choices for Efficiency and Value Capture
World Refining Association Forecast Report 2026: Latin America Series | Capital limitations define refining in Latin America. Large, mutually ... read more
#1 Refining at a Crossroads: Strategic Context for Latin America Refining
World Refining Association Forecast Report 2026: Latin America Series | Latin America’s refining sector is operating in an era defined by ... read more
5 Strategic Priorities Latin American Refiners Can’t Ignore
World Refining Association Forecast Report 2026: Latin America Series | Latin America’s refining sector is entering a period of significant ... read more
Press Release: The World Refining Association Announces a Once-in-a-Generation Event: The World Downstream Forum in Bahrain
The World Refining Association (WRA), part of Clarion Events and backed by Blackstone, proudly announces the World Downstream Forum (WDF) - a ... read more
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Tom Huizinga
The World Refining Association is proud to announce Tom Huizinga, Business Consultant at Avantium and CEO of Huizinga Enterprises, as the ... read more
Refining Resilience in the Eye of Regulatory Uncertainty
When NARTC’s Advisory Board convened following new U.S. tariffs, the refining sector faced a wave of regulatory uncertainty and economic ... read more
Ignazio Arces on Versalis’ Circular and Sustainable Transformation
Ignazio Arces, Head of Operations at Versalis, outlines the company’s shift from fossil-based chemicals to bio-based, recycled, and specialty ... read more
Giuseppe Ricci on Eni’s Transformation: From Refineries to Energy Parks
Giuseppe Ricci on Eni’s Transformation from Refineries to Energy Parks. Giuseppe Ricci, Industrial Transformation COO at Eni, shares how the ... read more
Bruno James on Airbus’ Push for SAF and Carbon Removals
Bruno James, Head of Business Development, Airbus, on scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and driving industry collaboration. As the ... read more
Scaling sustainable aviation fuel in Latin America: drivers, hurdles, and solutions
This excerpt from the LARTC 2025 newspaper analyses the opportunities and challenges facing the development and adoption of sustanable aviation ... read more
Navigating Europe’s Refining Dilemmas: Alexander Struck on Building Resilience at Bayernoil
Bayernoil’s Managing Director, Alexander Struck, shares how European refiners can stay competitive amid aging assets, costly green mandates, and ... read more
Repsol’s Luis Cabra on Europe’s Refining Future: Balancing Decarbonisation, Competitiveness and Security
Repsol’s Luis Cabra urges a pragmatic, technology-open transition that safeguards jobs, energy security, and competitiveness. He highlights ... read more
The World Refining Association (WRA) and APLA Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Latin America’s Downstream Sector
The WRA is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with the Latin American Petrochemical and Chemical Association (APLA) to support and ... read more
Latin America’s Petrochemical Outlook: Navigating Complexity with Resilience and Innovation
As the official event partner, LARTC and APLA have joined forces to support the growth and transformation of the petrochemical and chemical ... read more
LARTC 2025 – Solomon Joins LARTC as Knowledge Partner
We caught up with Solomon ahead of LARTC 2025 to learn more about their focus for this year’s event, their ongoing work in the region, and what ... read more
Quick Fire Interview with Leandro Bertona, YPF
Find out more about Leandro Bertona's involvement at LARTC: Ask The Experts. read more
Quick Fire Interview with Fabián Verdun, YPF
Find out more about Fabián Verdun's involvement at LARTC: Ask The Experts. read more
Quick Fire Interview with Carolina Porchile FCC
Find out more about Carolina Porchile's involvement at LARTC: Ask The Experts. read more
Quick Fire Interview with Rodrigo Belda, YPF
Find out more about Rodrigo Belda's involvement at LARTC: Ask The Experts. read more
Quick Fire Interview with Diego Agrelo, YPF
Find out more about Diego Agrelo's involvement at LARTC: Ask The Experts. read more
Quick Fire Interview with Eliza Diamante, FCC
Find out more about Eliza Diamante's involvement at LARTC: Ask The Experts. read more
In Conversation with YPF
In this exclusive interview, we explore the transformative power of innovation, digitalization, and operational efficiency in overcoming the ... read more
ERTC 2024 Key Takeaways with Sunfire
We caught up Sunfire, a sponsor for ERTC 2024 to get an insight into their involvement, and what ERTC 2024 meant to them. Read the full interview. read more
World Refining Association appoints new Global Managing Director as it bolsters leadership team
WORLD REFINING ASSOCIATION APPOINTS NEW GLOBAL MANAGING DIRECTOR AS IT BOLSTERS LEADERSHIP TEAM read more
ERTC 2024 Key Takeaways with Wood Mackenzie
We caught up Wood Mackenzie, a sponsor for ERTC 2024 to get an insight into their involvement, and what ERTC 2024 meant to them. Read the full ... read more
Meet the Company – Heraeus Precious Metals
We caught up Heraeus Precious Metals a sponsor for ERTC 2024 to get a better understanding of the company, and what ERTC 2024 means to them. ... read more
Meet the Company – Petrogenium
We caught up Petrogenium, a sponsor for ERTC 2024, to get a better understanding of the company, and what ERTC 2024 means to them. Read the full ... read more
Meet the Company – Buchen & Remondis
We caught up Buchen & Remondis a sponsor for ERTC 2024 to get a better understanding of the company, and what ERTC 2024 means to them. Read the ... read more
Meet the Company – Kashmir Intelligence
We caught up Kashmir Intelligence a sponsor for ERTC 2024 to get a better understanding of the company, and what ERTC 2024 means to them. Read ... read more
Meet the Company – Becht
We caught up Becht a sponsor for ERTC 2024 to get a better understanding of the company, and what ERTC 2024 means to them. Read the full interview. read more
Meet the Rising Star: Stamatis Sarris
Meet the Rising Star winner of 2023; Stamatis Sarris, Chemical Engineer, PhD, HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings S.A. to find out about what the rising ... read more
NARTC 2025 Advisory Board Key Takeaways
Read the key takeaways from the NARTC 2025 advisory board meeting, led by Marathon, Chevron, Par Pacific, McKinsey & Co, CVR Energy and more. read more
Podcast with Don Busiek, Asset Performance Management SVP, AspenTech – Part 2
In this installment, we are honoured to have Don Busiek, the Asset Performance Management SVP at AspenTech joining us, along with our Matthew Maginnis read more
Podcast with Don Busiek, Asset Performance Management SVP, AspenTech
In this installment, we are honoured to have Don Busiek, the Asset Performance Management SVP at AspenTech joining us, along with our Matthew Maginnis read more
Energy Outlook: Predictions Shaping the Downstream Industry in 2024
In this article, the Energy Outlook, we delve into the top predictions for the downstream industry in 2024, as voiced by prominent figures ... read more
LARTC 2024 Advisory Board Key Takeaways
Read the key takeaways from the LARTC 2024 advisory board meeting, led by Ecopetrol, YPF, ENAP, ANCAP, Petrobras, Pan American Energy and more. read more
Calmer waters, but risk of a coming storm
Wood Mackenzie's outlook reveals global oil and refining dynamics. Explore market trends, geopolitical shifts, and projections for the year ... read more
Evaluating New Opportunities in North American Downstream
Ahead of NARTC 2024, take a deep dive into how investors in North American refineries are tackling adversarial winds and evaluating new opportunities. read more
Meet the Speaker: Dr. Giada Innocenti
Ahead of ERTC 2023, we sat down with Dr. Giada Innocenti, Application & Project Manager, hte, to find out what we can expect from this year's ... read more
Meet the Speaker: Joerg Krueger, CEO, Synova
Ahead of ERTC 2023, we sat down with Joerg Krueger, CEO, Synova, to find out what we can expect from this year's gathering as well as some ... read more
LARTC Refinery of the Year 2023: Axion Energy – Campana Refinery
Find out more about our LARTC Refinery of the Year 2023 winner: Axion Energy - Campana Refinery. read more
LARTC Los Premios de Excelencia | Awards of Excellence Shortlist 2023
Find out more about the shortlisted individuals and companies for the LARTC Los Premios de Excelencia, taking place in Rio De Janeiro on 13 ... read more
Meet the Portfolio Director: Matt Maginnis, Portfolio Director, Americas, World Refining Association
Ahead of LARTC 2023, we sat down with our Portfolio Director for the Americas, Matt Maginnis, to find out what we can expect from this year's ... read more
Meet the Speaker: Roger Nounou, mPACT2WO (Molex)
Ahead of NARTC 2023, the WRA sat down with Roger Nounou, Global Sales Director at mPACT2WO, to find out more about their business and what ... read more
LARTC Los Premios de Excelencia | Refinery of the Year Shortlist 2022
Find out more about the refineries shortlisted for the Refinery of the Year award at the LARTC Awards of Excellence, taking place in Buenos ... read more
LARTC Los Premios de Excelencia | Awards Shortlists 2022
See the full list of companies, refineries and downstream executives shortlisted for the LARTC Awards of Excellence, taking place in Buenos ... read more
Rising Stars Winner Q&A | Silvia Caminero Huertas
Silvia Caminero Huertas, Digital Transformation Engineer at CEPSA won the ERTC Rising Stars Awards back in 2021 in Madrid. In this Q&A, Silvia ... read more
ERTC 2022: Advisory Board Report
The ERTC advisory board meeting took place in March and it is clear that the central theme for ERTC 2021 is how European refiners will implement ... read more
Podcast with Accenture on Their Response to The Energy Transition
In this interview, we cover where disruption is coming from, regional differences on energy transition policy, what future downstream value ... read more
How digitisation can improve refineries
In this short article, we have chosen five of the most prominent themes in refinery digital integration, and briefly discuss how they can ... read more
LARTC 2022: La Reunión del Comité Ejecutivo
Después de 3 horas de conversación a puertas cerradas, el World Refining Association se complace en presentarle las conclusiones principales de ... read more
LARTC 2022: Advisory Board Report
After 3 hours of closed-door discussions, we are pleased to share the key takeaways from the LARTC 2022 Advisory Board Meeting and the ... read more
Biofuels: Regulation and Projects influencing the long-term refining market
Increased global demand for biofuels is being driven by the need to access sustainable sources of energy to help achieve global greenhouse gas ... read more
Executive Interview: Roger Nounou, Global Sales Director, mPACT2WO (Molex)
Ahead of NARTC 2022, the WRA sat down with Roger Nounou, Global Sales Director at mPACT2WO, to find out more about their business and what ... read more
Focus on Latin America: Technical and Operational Solutions for Refiners in the Context of the Energy Transition
The Latin American refining sector is investing in operational solutions to the challenges posed by the Energy Transition. Investment centers on ... read more
Refining: The Cost of Covid on the Industry
Refining has experienced its fair share of cyclical peaks and troughs – but challenges that were not necessarily insurmountable. As Covid-19 ... read more
Reducing Emissions: The Goal for Refineries Remaining Competitive in the Transition
Refiners have been targeted as primary emissions culprits, yet such perceptions overlook the real and tangible efforts refiners are engaging ... read more
Podcast with John Cooper, Director General of FuelsEurope and Concawe’
The World Refining Association sat down with John Cooper, Director General of FuelsEurope and Concawe to discuss the regulatory landscape for ... read more
Women of Downstream: the female faces of the refinery boardroom
Join our industry Expert, Emma Shewell, our resident WRA Researcher, as she interrogates the status of diversity and representation of women in ... read more
LARTC 2020: Post Event Report
Over 1000 refiners and decision-makers joined us online at LARTC Virtual, in September 2020 focused on providing the most pressing and ... read more
ERTC 2020: Post Event Report
Over 700 refiners and decision-makers joined us online at ERTC Virtual, 17-18 November 2020, to address the technologies that could decarbonise ... read more
ERTC 2021: Advisory Board Report
The ERTC advisory board meeting took place in March and it is clear that the central theme for ERTC 2021 is how European refiners will implement ... read more
LARTC 2021: Reunión del Comité Ejecutivo
Este año la reunión anual del Comité Ejecutivo tuvo lugar en Bogotá, Colombia el 3 de marzo. La colaboración y las contribuciones de todos los ... read more
LARTC 2021: Advisory Board Report
In 2021 LARTC's Advisory Board meeting took place in Bogotá, Colombia on the 3rd of March and the collaboration and contributions of the members ... read more
How will the Downstream Heavyweights in the Region Ensure Sustained Industry Recovery in 2021 and Beyond.
Join our panel of experts at LARTC Virtual as they discuss a path for recovery in for the industry in 2021 and beyond. read more
Caribbean Refining Industry Case Study – Strategies for Short to Medium Term Viability
"Greater regional cooperation should be strengthened during this time in terms of products, as well as storage, and even in terms of financing ... read more
Webinar with Ingenero CEO Pratap Nair: Exclusive Insights On Business Success
Watch the recording of this webinar with Dr Pratap, CEO at Ingenero, who shares his insights on staying ahead in a competitive and ... read more
Webinar with Chip Hilarides, President at OnPoint: New Technologies Driving the Next Normal
In an exclusive interview, Chip Hilarides, President at OnPoint, a Koch Engineered Solutions Company, shares his thoughts on how oil and gas ... read more
Webinar with Dan McQueen, Albermarle: Post Pandemic Success for Oil and Gas Leaders
The current COVID-19 related challenges being faced by the refining industry are well documented. But when refineries need to find a way to ... read more
Webinar with Mok Thye Yee: Sustainability and Success. Building a Game Plan for the Future
Watch the recording of the webinar with Mok Thye Yee, Manager (FEED Downstream), PETRONAS, as he shares his exclusive insights on why ... read more
La Visión De AspenTech – La Planta del Futuro
Entrevista WRA – Alex Muro VP Ventas, América Latina, AspenTech read more
WRA Interview Series | John Gugel
The WRA’s goal is to support the refining industry and its transition to a sustainable future. We sat down with John Gugel, President & CEO of ... read more
En un Mundo Cambiante, La Nueva Tecnología Operacional Activa la Empresa Inteligente
El Sector Downstream Latinoamericano - Nuestro socio AspenTech, ha resumido la forma en que prevé que las nuevas tecnologías impactarán la industria. read more
Next-Generation Operational Technologies Enable the Smart Enterprise in a Changing World. – Aspentech
Latin American Downstream - Our long term partners, Apsentech, have summarized how Next Gen Technologies enable a Smart Enterprise in a changing world. read more
Rising Stars Winner Q&A | Pedro Medina
Pedro Medina, Senior Technology Development Engineer at CEPSA won the first ever ERTC Rising Stars Awards back in 2017 in Athens. In this Q&A, ... read more
Rising Stars Winner Q&A | Ross O’Brien
When Ross O'Brien won the ERTC Rising Stars Awards 2018 in Cannes, he was a Mechanical Engineer at BP. We recently had a catch-up with him to ... read more
Rising Stars Winner Q&A, Damian Kwiatkowski
Damian Kwiatkowski, Junior Process Engineer at Grupa LOTOS S.A. won the ERTC Rising Stars Award back in November 2019 in Poland. Damian tells us ... read more
WRA Interview Series | John Cooper
The WRA’s goal is to support the refining industry and its transition to a sustainable future. We had a conversation with John Cooper, Director ... read more
Downstream Myths Debunked: The thoughts of an Arts Graduate
Read this opinion piece from an Arts Graduate starting her career in the Oil and Gas Industry and sharing her early learnings about the oil and ... read more
ERTC 2020: Advisory Board Report
The WRA Outlook Report details the findings from the ERTC executive meeting held on 19th March 2020, including Reacting to the COVID-19 outbreak ... read more
WRA Interview Series | Antonio Joyanes
Antonio shares how CEPSA has gained a competitive advantage despite the COVID-19 outbreak, digitalisation and the potential of technologies ... read more
WRA Interview Series, Claus-Peter Hälsig
The WRA sat down with Claus-Peter Hälsig, VP Process & Technology at Fluor. Sharing his 35+ years of industry experience we discussed COVID-19, ... read more
WRA Interview Series | Kim Jooste, MOL Group
Hear from Kim on how MOL Group is adapting in the short-term to the COVID-19 outbreak including the status of current projects and turnaround ... read more
WRA Interview Series | Alan Gelder, Wood Mackenzie
We recently had a conversation with Alan Gelder, VP Refining, Chemicals & Oil Markets at Wood Mackenzie. We explored the impact of the COVID-19 ... read more
LARTC 2020: Advisory Board Report
In 2020 LARTC's Advisory Board meeting took place in Bogotá, Colombia on the 3rd of March and the collaboration and contributions of the members ... read more
LARTC 2020: Reunión del Comité Ejecutivo
Este año la reunión anual del Comité Ejecutivo tuvo lugar en Bogotá, Colombia el 3 de marzo. La colaboración y las contribuciones de todos los ... read more
Antonio Joyanes, SVP Refining, CEPSA
At ERTC 2019 in Poland, Antonio Joyanes, SVP Refining at CEPSA told us more about Digitalisation, whether it is just a buzzword and its impact ... read more
Neil Morris, CEO, The Faraday Institution
We had a chat with Neil Morris, CEO of the Faraday Institution at ERTC 2019 in Poland. He told us a bit more about what the Faraday Institution ... read more
Jean-Marc Sohier, Science Director, Concawe
During the interview, Jean-Marc Sohier who is the Science Director at Concawe, talked about the opportunities and challenges of the industry ... read more
Andy Gosse, President, Shell Catalysts & Technologies
Watch our interview with Andy Gosse, President of Shell Catalysts & Technologies from ERTC 2019 in Poland. Andy shares his takeaways from the ... read more
ERTC Ask the Experts 2019: Post Event Report
Read the key takeaways from two days of interactive discussions at ERTC Ask the Experts 2019 on the biggest challenges currently facing the ... read more
ERTC 2019: Post Event Report
ERTC 2019 took place in November with co-hosts Grupa LOTOS in Warsaw. In our Post Event Report, you will find key takeaways on the 2019 WRA ... read more
ERTC 2019: Advisory Board Report
Chaired by Tracy Ellerington, Director Europe & Russia Operations at Solomon Associates, our expert Advisory Board members shared their thoughts ... read more
LARTC 2019: Advisory Board Report
In 2019 LARTC's Advisory Board meeting took place in Bogotá, Colombia on the 26th of February and the collaboration and contributions of the ... read more
A Piece of Petrochemical Pie: How Refiners Can Capitalise on the Petrochemical Industry
As the demand for refined products is falling and demand for petrochemical products is increasing, it is vital that refiners consider ... read more
Waste Recycling: An Opportunity for Refiners?
This article will explore the implications of the circular economy for refiners and the opportunities that waste recycling technologies offer. read more
What’s next for the oil and Gas sector after Covid-19? – Arthur D. Little
Our long term partners, Arthur D. Little, have summarized how they forecast the outlook for the Latin American downstream sector, and more ... read more
Latin American Downstream – A Short Term Crisis in a Long Term Transition
Our article tackles considerations around the transition to greener energy which this short term crisis has brought to the forefront of the ... read more
The Potential of Carbon Capture for Refining
This article will assess the importance of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technologies for Refiners. It will look at current ... read more
Alice Garton, Head of Climate Programme at ClientEarth
Alice Garton told us more about the importance of climate disclosure laws, the impact of the Paris Agreement on the downstream industry, how to ... read more
Peter Blaser, Vice President of Engineering Services, CPFD
In this interview, Peter tells us more about CPFD, why it was important for him and his team to attend ERTC, the importance of digitalization ... read more
Robin Nelson, Science Director, Concawe
Robin Nelson tells us more about his role at Concawe, how the refinery of the future looks like, how to remain relevant as an industry in a low ... read more
Tracy Ellerington, Director, Europe and Russia Operations, Solomon Associates
In this Interview, Tracy tells us more about the 11 World's Best Refineries and what makes them the best: they're good at energy efficiency, ... read more
Richard de Caux, Head of Refining Analysis, BP
Richard de Caux of BP tells us more about what factors are driving refining margins, the impact of MARPOL regulations and the long-term future ... read more
Christophe Vuillez, Senior Vice President Strategy, Development & Research for Refining & Chemicals, Total
Christophe Vuillez of Total speaks about his role, Total's Joint Venture with Saudi Aramco, how they are responding to the increasing ... read more
Michael Adeniya – Clarion – Black History Month Event
For the first time, colleagues at Clarion Events came together for a Black History Month celebration event. Michael Adeniya hosted the evening ... read more