Meet the Rising Star: Stamatis Sarris, HELLENiQ Energy

Stamatis Sarris, Chemical Engineer, PhD, HELLENiQ Energy Holdings S.A., our celebrated Rising Star winner from 2023, joins us to talk about what the Rising Star award at the European Refining Technology Conference means in the industry, the technology he finds the most interesting for the industry, and of course, his favourite book.

Tell us about your role as a Chemical Engineer. What are your goals and favourite things about the role?

As a chemical engineer in the Digital Transformation division, my role focuses on leveraging advanced technologies to optimize production processes and drive efficiency improvements. This involves integrating digital tools such as data analytics, utilizing to the maximum the historical data of our company, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor, control, and enhance refinery production operations. My primary goal is to utilize these technologies to streamline processes, reduce waste and quality giveaways, and improve overall productivity.
What I enjoy most about this role is the innovative nature of the work. The constant evolution of digital technologies provides endless opportunities to develop new solutions and approaches leading forward digitally. I find it incredibly rewarding to see how digital transformation can lead to significant improvements in production efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Working at the intersection of traditional chemical engineering principles and cutting-edge digital tools makes this role both challenging and exciting.

What was the most exciting project you've worked on?

Each digital optimization tool development has its own beauty, so I would say that the challenge is always to interpret what science has to offer, what the practical knowledge suggest and mainly try to interconnect them to a quick and targeted tool. Reducing waste and increasing yield leads to financial growth but It is the complex challenge that requires collaboration across disciplines and innovative thinking that lead to success. Seeing the tangible results in terms of improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact is incredibly rewarding.

What is the technology that you are most excited about and why?

Of course, the advancements in renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing processes are highly exciting. Technologies such as carbon capture and utilization, renewable energy storage solutions, and biodegradable materials are paving the way for a more sustainable future. These innovations not only reduce environmental impact but also open up new opportunities for cleaner and more efficient industrial practices.
However, The technology that excites me the most right now is the advancement in digital twins and predictive analytics for process control and modeling. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical systems that allow for real-time monitoring and simulation. By using these models, we can predict potential issues before they occur, optimize processes dynamically, and make data-driven decisions to enhance efficiency. Predictive analytics, powered by machine learning algorithms, further augments this by analyzing historical and real-time data to forecast future trends and performance. This combination enables a level of precision and foresight in process control that was previously unattainable. These technologies are revolutionizing how we approach production optimization, making processes more efficient, reliable, and adaptable to changing conditions.

What would you say is the biggest challenge in the refining industry, at the moment?

One of the biggest challenges in the refining industry currently is navigating the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Refineries are under pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and adopt cleaner technologies while remaining economically viable. Balancing these factors requires significant investment in research, development, and implementation of new technologies.

What would you recommend to future Rising Star applicants?

For future Rising Star applicants in the field of chemical engineering or related industries, I would recommend focusing on gaining a deep understanding of both technical and business aspects of your field. Demonstrate a passion for innovation and sustainability. Seek out opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and take on projects that showcase your problem-solving abilities and leadership potential. Lastly, stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in our industry.

What is your favourite book?

Choosing a favorite book is always tough, but one that has deeply influenced my thinking in a company environment is “The Innovator's Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen. It explores why successful companies can fail despite doing everything right and how disruptive technologies can reshape industries. It's a great read for anyone interested in innovation, strategy, and the dynamics of technological change.