Richmond Refinery Energy and Hydrogen Renewal Project

Support the Renewal Project!
Click here to voice your support: www.chevronrenewalproject.com/letter.asp

On January 31, the Design Review Board voted 4-0 to recommend the project for approval by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the project as its March 20 meeting. The details are below:

Planning Commission (continued)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Council Chamber, 1401 Marina Way South

Overview

Chevron is proposing to upgrade and replace equipment at the Richmond Refinery. The Energy and Hydrogen Renewal Project is part of our on-going commitment to reliable and efficient operations. The project does not cost local government or local taxpayers any money. Chevron is responsible for the entire cost.

Project Description

Power Plant Replacement. Replace inefficient steam boiler plant built in the 1930s with gas turbine Cogeneration plant.

Hydrogen Plant Replacement. Replace existing 40-year old high energy use plant with new energy efficient plant.

Hydrogen Purity. Modify existing equipment to remove sulfur compounds and improve the purity of hydrogen used by refinery processing plants.

Reformer Replacement. Replace 1960s gasoline reformers, with one plant of the same processing capacity as two existing plants.

Environmental Benefits

  • By improving energy efficiency and lowering overall emissions, ensures air quality in Richmond remains among the best in the Bay Area
  • Enables the Refinery to become entirely energy self-sufficient and provide excess electricity for public use
  • Allows the Refinery to maintain world class energy efficiency in all of its operations

Regulatory Oversight

  • Meets or exceeds all state, regional and local regulations and requirements
  • Mitigates environmental impacts
  • Equipment meets Cal OSHA standards for noise and safety
  • All workers will be required to undergo appropriate safety training
  • City of Richmond Oversight
    • - Master Environmental Impact Report
    • - Conditional Use Permit
  • BAAQMD Oversight
    • - Authority to construct/permit to operate
    • - Title V permit revision
  • California Energy Commission Oversight
    • - Considered as a small power plant

Community Benefits

  • Generates millions in new tax revenues for Richmond that could be used to fund city programs including public safety, street repairs, libraries and youth services
  • Creates more than 1,200 good-paying construction jobs—most are expected to be filled by union labor

Public Participation Process

  • Local government review
    • - Richmond fenceline neighborhood council meetings
    • - Design Review Board
    • - Planning Commission hearings
    • - City Council hearings (if needed)
  • Keep City Council and Staff informed
    • - Regular meetings to provide project status updates
    • - Maintain open communication with Council and Staff to answer questions

Summary

  • Reduces overall emissions to ensure better air quality for Richmond
  • Improves reliability and energy efficiency of Refinery operations
  • Generates new tax revenues for Richmond
  • No cost to local government or taxpayers


Thank you for your interest in the Richmond Refinery Energy and Hydrogen Renewal Project. If you would like more information please contact us at info@richmondrefinery.com