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 preview from the LATAM Petrochemical Outlook 2026 explores where AI is delivering measurable value across refining and petrochemical operations.
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. Explore why companies are looking beyond traditional operating models to improve efficiency, resilience and long-term competitiveness.
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 leaders see growing feedstock availability as a catalyst for downstream investment across Latin America.
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 insights from the LATAM Petrochemical Outlook 2026 before downloading the full report.
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. During discussions with the NARTC Advisory Board, leaders highlighted growing concerns around knowledge retention, succession planning and attracting the next generation of talent as experienced professionals retire and workforce expectations continue to shift.
AI in Refining: Beyond the Hype
Artificial intelligence continues to dominate conversations across the refining sector, with companies exploring how digital technologies can improve operational performance, efficiency and decision-making. However, discussions with the NARTC Advisory Board revealed a more measured industry perspective emerging; one focused less on experimentation and more on practical value creation. While enthusiasm around AI remains high, many refiners continue to face challenges around data quality, infrastructure readiness and governance.
Operational Excellence Wins Again
In an industry increasingly shaped by volatility and disruption, many refiners are reassessing what truly drives long-term performance. While digital transformation, diversification and new technologies continue to dominate industry conversations, leaders across the NARTC Advisory Board consistently returned to a simpler theme: the companies performing strongest today are those executing the fundamentals exceptionally well.
Refining Through Uncertainty
For North American refiners, volatility is no longer the exception, it is the operating environment. As geopolitical tensions, policy shifts and fluctuating trade dynamics continue to reshape global energy markets, leaders across the NARTC Advisory Board discussed how the industry is adapting to a future defined by ongoing uncertainty.
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 to modern refinery decision-making. He highlights the growing role of digital twins, real-time optimisation, and data-driven models in improving process accuracy, energy efficiency, and operational visibility, while emphasising the importance of user adoption and data quality in delivering tangible results.
#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 volatility and high stakes. Global energy supply disruptions, fluctuating demand, and regional competitiveness pressures intersect with decarbonization mandates and evolving market structures…
#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 for Latin American refiners. For many refiners, co-processing renewable feedstocks in existing refinery units represents a pragmatic near-term pathway, offering lower capital intensity, faster deployment, and alignment with emerging regulatory requirements.