On 19-21 May, the Petrochemical and Refining Congress: Europe (PRC Europe) 2025 became a place of gathering for key Oil and Gas specialists, innovators and decision-makers. They were welcomed in Milan, Italy to discuss hot topics concerning the energy sector and find collaborative ways to move the industry forward. 

This year’s edition was hosted by a global energy company Eni SpA and supported by such industry leaders as Emerson (Platinum Sponsor) and GaoQ Functional Materials Co., Ltd. (Diamond Sponsor). More than that, the Congress was held in partnership with Technip Energies, Sonatrach Raffineria Italiana S.r.l., Wood, Saras S.p.A. (Regional Partners) and Saipem SpA, KBR, Lummus Technology LLC (Technology Partners). In total, the event brought together over 400 delegates from more than 200 companies all over the world.

“This event is special because it covers both the petrochemical and refining sectors. Also it brings the opportunity to meet a lot of other companies, vendors, licensors, so you can speak broadly about everything and discover the new things that are coming up”, - Raffaella Lucarno (Head of Biorefining & Supply at Enilive SpA).

The 9th edition of the Congress provided a broad view on the current Downstream trends and challenges. How to optimise assets, boost efficiency and reach Net Zero? What’s the potential of petrochemical products? Are sustainable fuels the energy of the future? These and other essential questions were widely discussed during the sessions, panel discussions, roundtables, keynotes and live talks.

Keynote session and Live Talk - two brand new formats for PRC Europe - were introduced within the event’s business programme. These sessions were particularly lively and dynamic, raising the hottest topics and creating energetic discussion.

Yokogawa Live Talk with Nynas AB: Integrating Autonomy, Safety & Robotics in Oil and Gas

Alessio Rubini (Managing Director at Yokogawa) and William Gibbons (Senior Consultant at Yokogawa), in partnership with Michal Karazniewicz (UK HSSE Manager at Nynas AB), showcased the integrated approach to advancing industrial automation and safety through the IA2IA (Industrial Automation to Industrial Autonomy) framework, robotics and drone technologies, and the RAP4 Safety Software. This convergence enhances operational efficiency, safety and sustainability by embedding intelligence, adaptability and real-time decision-making into industrial systems. Robotics and drones enable safe, agile inspections and predictive maintenance, reducing risks and downtime. The RAP4 platform strengthens safety management and compliance with intuitive workflows and analytics.

“Together, these technologies - IA2IA, Robotics and Drones, and RAP4 - form a collaborative foundation for the next generation of industrial operations”, - Alessio Rubini (Managing Director at Yokogawa), William Gibbons (Senior Consultant at Yokogawa), Michal Karazniewicz (UK HSSE Manager at Nynas AB).

BASF Keynote: “Our biggest goal is Net Zero!”

During the Keynote session, Wander Ricardo Ferreira Lopes (Head of Business Management Ammonia Based Chemicals at BASF SE) outlined BASF's strategy to reduce emissions across the ammonia value chain (including emission data), the company’s 2030 and 2050 targets and progress since 1990. The speaker highlighted the key role of renewable energy and advancements in CO₂ reduction technologies like eFurnace, hydrogen electrolysis and CCS. BASF emphasises supplier transparency and has established robust Scope 3.1 emissions data. The presentation also showcased low-carbon ammonia portfolio options and a certified system for verifying reduced CO₂ footprints, supported by real-life market examples.

“I was positively surprised. The questions were very good: the audience asked tough questions, and I did my best to answer them. It was a very good interaction”, - Wander Ricardo Ferreira Lopes (Head of Business Management Ammonia Based Chemicals at BASF SE).

MYRECHEMICAL S.r.l. Keynote: Introducing Circular Methanol as the Sustainable Fuel for Maritime Industry

Andrea Angeletti (Business Development & Proposal Head of Department at MYRECHEMICAL S.r.l) talked about MYRECHEMICAL’s technology of high-temperature gasification. Maritime transport accounts for 2.9% of global CO₂ emissions, releasing over 1 billion tonnes in 2023. The EU’s Refuel Maritime directive targets a 6% emissions cut by 2030 and 80% by 2050, and converting urban waste into methanol offers a sustainable fuel alternative. Using MyRechemical's high-temperature gasification, non-recyclable waste is transformed into syngas, which is purified and converted into high-quality methanol via catalytic synthesis.

“Methanol is a versatile and clean fuel that can be used in existing marine engines with some modifications, replacing bunker oil and fossil-derived diesel. It can also be used with fuel cells, offering an efficient alternative for maritime transport and significantly reducing atmospheric pollutants”, - Andrea Angeletti (Business Development & Proposal Head of Department at MYRECHEMICAL S.r.l).

The Buzz of the Focus Exhibition: Flying Robots, Pressure-Proof Solutions and more

PRC Europe 2025 featured a dynamic Focus Exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and the special EcoTech Zone dedicated to sustainable solutions. 63 exhibitors presented innovations ranging from compressors and heat equipment to software and predictive maintenance. Special attention was attracted by demonstrations from Voliro AG and REMBE GmbH Safety + Control, which took place during the coffee breaks.

Voliro AG (PRC Europe 2025 X Stream Sponsor) showcased its drone - a cutting-edge flying robot engineered to excel in contact-based close-to-structure work. The company’s team demonstrated drone flight and how it is controlled as well as the real time UT measurements to the audience.

REMBE GmbH Safety + Control took an imaginary stage at the Focus Exhibition to tell about their pressure relief solutions. REMBE’s team demonstrated the KUB^® (the only rupture disc to be manufactured using Euler's critical load formula to determine the burst pressure, creating the most robust, high-performance rupture disc available) and other process safety equipment.

The PRC Europe 2025 Gala Dinner, sponsored by S.E.A. srl, became an unforgettable evening of networking and strengthening connections. Held in Milan's historical venue, The Gallery café Meravigli, the dinner combined a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere with fine dining and entertainment. A jazz band’s live performance and traditional BGS Lottery with gifts from the event’s sponsors and the organiser made the evening even more enjoyable and added to the festive atmosphere.

The PRC Europe Congress is designed for networking, and our attendees had numerous opportunities for productive and meaningful discussions: during the sessions and coffee breaks, in the dedicated VIP meetings room (sponsored by CC7 Europe) and exhibition zone. Overall, the Congress facilitated more than 300 B2B meetings, fostering the exchange of ideas and providing further development of the Downstream industry.

“We’ve made a lot of new friends and also met old friends here. It was a very successful networking event”, - Tengyong Gong (Deputy CEO at CC7 Europe).

Day 3 Sneak Peek: Exclusive Visit to the Eni’s Bolgiano Research Centre

The productive days at PRC Europe 2025 continued on the 21st of May thanks to the Host Sponsor Eni SpA. During the Day 3, PRC Europe 2025 attendees had the unique opportunity to tour Eni’s New Feedstock and Energy Carrier laboratories and learn about the latest developments in renewables and new energies, decarbonisation solutions, circular and bio products.

Eni’s Bolgiano Research Centre has been a space dedicated to innovation since 1985. The site includes a cluster of scientific labs working on research and development of new technologies in areas ranging from geosciences and engineering to chemistry and materials science, aiming to achieve new efficiency and more sustainability targets that can be applied at industrial level.

The Future of Energy Moves Forward

This year’s event stood out not only for its strong lineup of speakers and partners but also for its fresh approach to engagement. New formats like the Keynote sessions and Live Talk sparked lively discussions and brought key issues to the forefront - from decarbonisation and automation to safety and sustainable fuels:

“Scaling up Sustainable Aviation Fuel is the key because it’s the driver to decarbonise the aviation sector which contributes to a large extent of CO2 emissions worldwide. This technology, combined with hydrogen, will be the key for the next decade to work on”, - Markus Hartung (Vice President, Head of Region EMEA & Global Commercial Processes at Evonik Operations GmbH).

“Within the last decade, the industry’s facing a lot of challenges. We need to focus on the innovations much more, but we also need to look for the flexibility of feedstock, we can’t rely on one source anymore”, - Hossam Elsaadany (Head of Supply Chain at Egyptian Refining Company).

“We have to move towards the energy transition path. At this point, we need to find good technologies and innovations which are economical and implement them accordingly”, - Guillaume Bessec (Energy Transition Manager at TotalEnergies Normandy Platform).

PRC Europe 2025 wrapped up on a high note, leaving participants inspired and optimistic about the future of the Downstream industry. Over three impactful days in Milan, top professionals from across the globe tackled the industry’s most pressing challenges and shared ideas for a more sustainable and efficient future.

“I think it's the key to have all the players of the main projects together in one space. At PRC Europe we have the owners, the EPCs, the licensors, the suppliers. And if we don’t work together, we can’t make these projects happen”, - Andrew Thomson (Director Business Development at Fluor).

Mark your calendars for PRC Europe 2026, where these conversations will continue, and new ideas will take shape. See you next year, at the anniversary edition of the Congress, on May 18-19 in Amsterdam.

The registration is already open, learn more: https://sh.bgs.group/2rs