Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , we’re joined by Simon Rogers, Chief Technology Officer at KBC (A Yokogawa Company). Simon explains how physics-based models, AI, and contextualised enterprise data are converging to improve performance and decision making in the downstream sector. We discuss:  What has changed in the industry that makes process twins and industrial AI possib...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , we explore the growing security concerns surrounding unauthorised drone operations near critical infrastructure.    We’re joined by Matthew Fuller, Senior Policy Analyst, Regulatory Affairs, at American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), to discuss the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) proposed rule for implementing Sect...

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is approaching a critical turning point. In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , we speak with Algert Prifti, CCUS Solutions Portfolio Manager at Black & Veatch, about what is driving the shift towards commercial carbon capture adoption, from the growth of gas-fired power for data centres to emerging opportunities across industrial facilities....

Peter Davidson, CEO of the Tank Storage Association (TSA), returns to the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast to discuss the changing role of tank storage in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. He explores the impact of geopolitical uncertainty, security of supply, the energy transition, process safety, and workforce wellbeing, as well as what lies ahead for the sector. This episode of the Hydrocarbo...

Midstream may sit between upstream and downstream, but the engineering challenges it faces are interrelated, from safety and emissions management to measurement and human capital.    In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , Dave Curtis, Vice President of Technical Services at GPA Midstream, explores the vital role of industry collaboration in developing solutions to some of these c...

The cyber threats facing the oil and gas sector are constantly evolving, and are more urgent now than ever before. We talk to Auke Huistra, Director for Industrial and OT Security at DNV Cyber, about what companies in the energy sector can do to improve their cyber resilience.   Listen to discover: How the threat landscape has evolved, alongside a shift in leadership mindset. The five key challeng...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , we speak with John Calce, Chairman and Founder of America First Refining, about the vision behind the US’ first new greenfield refinery since the 1970s.   We consider the role that it could play in strengthening US refining capacity and energy security, and the significance of its design to process 100% US shale oil.   We also explore the ch...

Drones are rapidly becoming a key tool in the tank storage sector, offering new ways to improve safety, efficiency, and data insight. In this episode, Jay Cruz, Vice President of Government Affairs at the International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA), explores how drone technology is reshaping terminal operations. We consider:  Whether we are past the trial phase for drone technology. Practica...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , we speak with Andri Orphanides, Director of American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Individual Certification Programs (ICP), about the growing importance of certification and competence in the downstream oil and gas industry.   Andri shares insights into how API’s certification programmes help support safer, more reliable operations, and develo...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , John Zimmerman, Key Account Manager for Sherwin‑Williams Protective & Marine, covers an array of common corrosion challenges energy producers face and how to specify the ideal coatings to mitigate those threats. From tank interiors to insulated piping, John covers the hidden – and not so hidden – costs of corrosion that hydrocarbon proce...

Has the turning point for carbon capture and storage (CCS) arrived? We ask Pedram Fainaloo, Director of the Low Carbon & CCS Segment – North America, Energy Systems at DNV, in this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast.   Pedram explores the findings of DNV’s latest ‘Energy Transition Outlook’ and outlines some of the most viable CCS opportunities in downstream operations. We’ll also...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , we’re joined by Jack Blundell, Sales Director, ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation, to discuss some of the game-changing innovations in industrial insulation that can help tackle the critical topic of corrosion.   We explore: Why insulation is typically used in industrial facilities. The persistent problem of corrosion under insulation (CUI) and t...

Simon Lack, Managing Partner at SL Advisors LLC and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Catalyst Energy Infrastructure Fund (MLXIX), talks us through natural gas’ emerging role as a bridge fuel that is powering two fast-growing industries: AI-driven data centres and US LNG exports.  We consider: Emerging US hotspots where natural gas supply, pipeline access, and data centre development align. How well-pre...

Maurits van Tol, CEO of Catalyst Technologies, Johnson Matthey, joins us to discuss Johnson Matthey’s vision for the global energy transition.    We explore how catalyst and additive technologies are evolving to handle more complex feedstocks while maintaining performance, and which advances could improve efficiency and reduce carbon intensity in hydrogen, syngas, and chemicals production. We asse...

RobRob Benedict, Vice President for Petrochemicals and Midstream at American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), guides us on the latest developments with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which is at a critical turning point right now.  Rob explains: What TSCA is and why it matters so much to the petrochemical and manufacturing sectors right now. The shift from a risk-based appr...

Fauzeya Rahman, LNG Specialist and Editor at ICIS, joins us to explore the key trends, opportunities and challenges facing the LNG markets across North and Latin America into 2026 and beyond.   We discuss: What the LNG landscape looks like coming out of 2025. The fastest evolving regions in the North American market. How the US LNG deals space is shaping up for 2026. The evolution of the Latin Ame...

The rollercoaster ride of 2025In our first episode of the year, we’re joined by Alan Gelder, Senior Vice President of Refining, Chemicals and Oil Markets at Wood Mackenzie.  Alan provides us with a summary of the key takeaways from the refining and petrochemical industries in 2025, and considers what 2026 may have in store for the downstream sector. We discuss:  Refining margins in 2025, which sur...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast we’re joined by Geoff Moody, Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Policy at American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), to review the first year of President Trump’s second term in office.   We’ll consider the impact that the Trump administration has had on fuel policy in the US, examining: The US Environmental Protec...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , Alec Cusick, Owens Corning Technical Lead, Technical Insulation, joins us to talk about the risks of LNG pool fires and methodologies to mitigate these risks. Alec discusses active and passive solutions, including Owens Corning's FOAMGLAS® Pool Fire Suppression™  (PFS) System. We discuss recent testing that was performed on the FOAMGLAS PFS...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , Andrea Bombardi, Executive Vice President, RINA, guides us through some of the key challenges and opportunities of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) implementation.   Some of the topics discussed include: Where CCUS fits into the long-term energy landscape. Lessons learned from CO₂ pipeline transport trials globally. Regional di...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , David Wilson, CEO, Energy Exemplar, talks us through the data centre boom and the vital role that oil and gas has to play in the energy mix. David explores whether oil and gas is keeping up with demand so far and whether it will continue to do so as data centres grow and expand. Other topics include: The role that low-carbon gas and CCS will...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , we’re joined by Rob Benedict, Vice President, Petrochemicals and Midstream, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), to discuss the outcomes of the final round of UN negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty.   Rob provides background on the negotiations and updates us on how they are progressing following the sixth round of t...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , Sarah Miller, President and CEO of the GPA Midstream Association, and CEO of GPSA, joins us to discuss the technical and economic importance of the midstream sector to the oil and gas industry.   We consider some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and how midstream will meet future demand with affordable, reliable...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcas t, Omar Sayeed, Centre of Excellence Leader for Reliability, and Rahul Negi, Director of AI and Industrial Autonomous, Honeywell Process Solutions, join us to consider how new, innovative technology can help to overcome some of the challenges facing the downstream oil and gas sector. This episode explores the concept of human autonomy at Honeyw...

In this episode of the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast , Graham Faiz, Head of Digital Energy, DNV, explores the current state of digitalisation in the energy sector and the key drivers behind digital transformation. Graham considers how companies can move from pilot projects to full-scale deployment of AI and digital tools. We also explore the role of digital twins, the importance of building trus...