Wesseling / Köln-Godorf, Germany, Rueil-Malmaison, France, 7 September 2026 — A joint industrial decarbonization project demonstrates how electrification, process technology and site integration can help reduce direct CO₂ and NOx emissions from refinery heating.
Shell, Schneider Electric and Axens have successfully installed an industrial-scale Electric Tubular Heater at the R3 base oil project that is currently realized at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland (Shell Rheinland) in Germany, marking a significant step forward in the electrification and decarbonization of energy-intensive industrial processes.
The installation, the first of its kind at industrial scale in Europe, forms part of Shell’s broader project to repurpose Shell Rheinland and reduce the site’s carbon footprint. By replacing conventional fired heating with an electric alternative designed to operate with zero direct CO₂ and NOx emissions, the project demonstrates how industrial players can work together to advance practical decarbonization solutions for refinery operations.
Developed through close collaboration between Shell, Schneider Electric and Axens, the project brings together Shell’s industrial site expertise and operational requirements, Axens’ process technology and electric heater know-how, and Schneider Electric’s advanced electrification, power distribution and control capabilities.
At the heart of the installation is Axens’ Heurtey Petrochem Solutions Electric Tubular Radiant Heater technology enabled by Schneider Electric, designed as a low-carbon alternative to conventional fired heaters while meeting the stringent process requirements of base oil distillation services.
Schneider Electric supplied a modular, prefabricated power solution including electrical distribution switchgear, transformers and a power control system interfacing with Axens’ process control system. The package is fully integrated with Shell’s existing site infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable and optimized operation.
The integrated Power and Process approach enables fast and accurate power modulation, fine-tuned heating control, high operability and compliance with Shell’s power quality and design requirements. It illustrates how combining process expertise, electrical engineering and automation can support the industrial deployment of electrified heating solutions.
This project demonstrates how close collaboration across the value chain can support the transformation of existing industrial assets. By working with Schneider Electric and Axens, Shell is advancing the deployment of practical electrification solutions that can help reduce direct operational CO₂ emissions from refinery heating.
This project for Shell Rheinland demonstrates how deep integration between process technology and electrical systems can accelerate refinery electrification and decarbonization. By combining Axens’ electric heater technology with Schneider Electric’s proven power and control solutions, we are supporting Shell in delivering a reliable, efficient and low-carbon industrial installation, and a turnkey solution going from electrons to molecules.
This project represents a major step forward in the electrification of heavy industries. By integrating Axens’ process technology with Schneider Electric’s power and control capabilities, we’ve delivered a solution that proves decarbonization and performance can go hand in hand. It sends a clear signal that the technologies needed to reduce emissions in refining already exist and can be deployed today.
By combining Shell’s industrial operations, Axens’ process technology and Schneider Electric’s electrification and control expertise, the project provides a concrete example of how collaboration can help accelerate the decarbonization of complex industrial processes at scale.
About the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland
The Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland, comprising the Cologne-Godorf and Wesseling sites, is located in the southern part of Cologne, Germany. Around 1,400 Shell employees, together with personnel from partner companies, produce transportation and heating fuels (diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, and heating oil) as well as products for the chemical industry.
Shell is currently setting important milestones at the site in the Rhineland region to advance pioneering energy transition projects. These include the production of hydrogen from renewable electricity, a bio-LNG facility for lower-carbon truck fuel, and the conversion of the existing crude oil processing operations at the Wesseling site into a state-of-the-art base oils plant (R3 base oil project).
About Axens
Axens group (www.axens.net) provides a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass to cleaner fuels, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics and all natural gas treatment and conversion options. The offer includes technologies, equipment, furnaces, modular units, catalysts, adsorbents and related services. Axens is also specialized in Carbon Capture. Axens is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain, from feasibility study to unit start-up and follow-up throughout the entire unit life cycle. This unique position ensures the highest level of performance with a reduced environmental footprint. Axens global offer is based on highly trained human resources, modern production facilities and an extended global network for industrial, technical supports & commercial services. Axens is an IFP Group company.
Learn more on our website, and follow us on www.linkedin.com/company/axens
Press Contact: press@axens.net
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalizing industries, businesses, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory. With 160,000 employees and 1 million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies.
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