#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 potential is realized only through disciplined, strategy-led adoption…
#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 exclusive investments require prioritizing efficiency, feasibility, and operational reliability while balancing short-term pressures with long-term goals, including energy security and supply chain resilience.
#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…
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 change. Volatile global markets, evolving energy security priorities, decarbonization pressures, and increasingly complex regulatory environments are reshaping how refiners operate and invest.
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 once-in-a-generation global gathering celebrating 30 years of WRA leadership in the refining and petrochemical industry.
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 recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the global refining industry.
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 volatility. Half a year later, optimism has given way to pragmatism as North American refiners focus on resilience, efficiency, and readiness for the next market cycle.
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 platforms. He highlights progress in advanced recycling, bioplastics, and digitalisation, while stressing the need for systemic collaboration to scale solutions.
Looking to 2030, Arces envisions Versalis as a leader in sustainable chemistry, combining operational excellence with partnerships across the value chain to drive Europe’s climate goals and industrial competitiveness.
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 company is redefining the role of refineries as energy parks, balancing energy security, competitiveness, and decarbonisation.
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 aviation sector accelerates its transition to net zero, Airbus is taking a leading role in advancing the use and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). They have set an ambitious goal: 30% SAF use by 2030 and ensuring all aircraft are capable of flying with 100% SAF. Bruno James explains why regulatory certainty, investment, and cross-value chain collaboration are crucial to scaling production and reducing costs.
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 fuel (SAF).
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 uncertain policy.
He outlines Bayernoil’s dual strategy of optimising today’s fossil operations while preparing for tomorrow’s renewable business, and stresses the need for regulatory clarity, resilient workforces, and open dialogue to secure long-term resilience.