Shell, together with Schneider Electric and Axens, is installing an electric tubular heater at its R3 base oil project at the Rheinland refinery complex in Germany — reported to be the first industrial-scale application of the technology in Europe. The project was announced on September 8, 2026.
The equipment is being applied at the R3 base oil project of Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland, as part of a decarbonization project replacing a conventional fossil-fuel-fired process heater with an electric version. Axens is reportedly supplying its Electric Tubular Radiant Heater process technology under its Heurtey Petrochem Solutions brand, while Schneider Electric supplies modular power distribution, transformer and power control systems. Shell operates the site.
This installation is reported to be the first industrial-scale application of an electric tubular heater in Europe, with the goal of achieving zero direct CO2 and NOx emissions. The announcement was made on September 8, 2026; a specific investment figure or target startup date has not been disclosed.
As Shell pursues decarbonization of its European refining operations, this project appears aimed at validating the potential for broader rollout by converting a conventional fossil-fuel process heater into an electric-based unit as a demonstration.
Process heaters used to heat feedstock are among the largest carbon emitters in refining and petrochemical operations, and converting them from fossil-fuel combustion to electric heating has long been regarded as a key challenge in industry decarbonization strategies. Given that this project is described as “Europe’s first industrial-scale” application, electric tubular heater technology is likely to draw industry attention as an early example of moving beyond laboratory-scale testing into commercial application at a large refinery. The structure in which a traditional petrochemical process technology licensor like Axens incorporates electrification technology into its portfolio and collaborates with a power infrastructure company like Schneider Electric suggests growing collaboration between traditional process technology firms and power/automation companies in future refining and petrochemical engineering projects. If this technology proves successful in commercial operation, similar electrification projects could spread to other refineries in Europe or regions with a high share of renewable power generation. However, electric heating equipment requires large-scale power supply infrastructure and renewable power procurement to achieve meaningful carbon reduction, making grid conditions a key variable determining how quickly this technology spreads.
The actual startup date of this electric tubular heater and its initial operational performance — energy efficiency and carbon reduction results — are the first points to confirm. If the technology is validated, whether it will be rolled out to Shell’s other European refineries or to other refiners is also worth watching. In addition, whether the power supplied to this equipment is renewable-based, and how the power procurement cost compares with conventional fossil fuel, will also be important information for gauging the project’s economics.