Extended reserves I Clean refining I Fuel-efficient vehicles I Diversified fuels I Controlled CO 2

IFP and
Sustainable Development
A
s an international research and training center, IFP is developing the transport
energies of the 21st century. It provides public players and industry with innovative
solutions for a smooth transition to the energies and materials of tomorrow – more
efficient, more economical, cleaner and sustainable.

To fulfill its mission, IFP has five complementary strategic priorities:

■ pushing back the boundaries in oil and gas exploration and production,

■ converting as much raw material as possible into energy for transport,

■ developing clean, fuel-efficient vehicles,

■ diversifying fuel sources,

■ capturing and storing CO2 to combat the greenhouse effect.

An integral part of IFP, its graduate engineering school prepares future generations to take up
these challenges.

Key figures
■ 1,735 employees
■ 2007 budget: €301,5 million
■ A portfolio of more than 12,500 active patents:
- in the top 15 patent filers in France
- the 6 th largest filer in the United States, all nationalities combined
IFP’s commitment
to serving
sustainable development

nergy is a basic human need. It must be made accessible to all, but it must be

E provided without endangering our planet’s environment.

Population growth and steadily rising standards of living, especially in developing
countries, will keep demand for energy growing substantially in the years to come.
Needs are expected to double by 2050. The sources of energy that meet these needs
will have to complement one another rather than compete. All energy options must be
kept open to ensure that responses are as appropriate as possible, both environmentally
and economically.

It will be difficult, in the short and medium term, to replace oil and gas for transport
applications and petrochemicals, and they are expected to account for about two thirds
of world energy demand by the year 2030. This observation points up the need to develop
technological solutions capable of satisfying future energy and mobility needs, while
taking into account the finite character of oil and gas resources and the risk of climate
change. This underlies IFP’s resolute commitment to serving sustainable development.

This document illustrates and explains this commitment through a few of IFP’s
innovations and accomplishments. They bear witness to its drive and expertise,
placed in the service of the community. More than in words, it is through action
and innovation that IFP is preparing the future of energy.

Olivier Appert
IFP’s Chairman and CEO
Innovating
for sustainable development
in the energy
and transport fields

ith a view to sustainable development, it is necessary to ensure a supply of energy

W for the long term while, at the same time, protecting the environment, both locally
and globally. Oil and gas will continue to play a major role in the future, especially
in the transport sector. Technical innovation has a fundamental role to play in pushing
back the limits of their use and developing alternative solutions.

This is the whole point of IFP’s work in developing knowledge and technologies that will
make it possible to:
■ renew oil and gas reserves and make better use of existing reserves,
■ develop new sources of energy to diversify our supply and to protect the environment,
■ minimize emissions of pollutants on a local level, especially those resulting from the
production and use of fossil fuels,
■ and finally, respond to the risk of climate change with new options serving to reduce
emissions of greenhouse gases, in particular carbon dioxide (CO2).
Renewing
reserves of
hydrocarbons

ushing back the limits of Identifying, quantifying and qualifying new oil

P current oil and gas reserves

is one key factor in meeting
ever increasing world demand,
and gas resources
The identification, quantification, and qualification of new oil
and gas resources call for better exploration and evaluation
and, in particular, satisfying techniques. For this reason, IFP is developing a complete set
transport needs for the whole of methods, software and techniques: basin models,
of the 21st century. characterization methods, seismic methods, subsoil
For this purpose, IFP is developing imaging, etc.
technologies, software and methods
to ensure clean and economical Making better use of available reserves
access to new oil and gas resources, Better use of available reserves is contingent on the
exploit known oil fields more development of technologies to enhance our ability to recover
efficiently, and reduce costs so as the petroleum in place in reservoirs and to extend the
to make it economically viable exploitation of mature petroleum reservoirs, while protecting
to exploit reservoirs that are the environment.
difficult, remote, or marginal,
while protecting the environment. Developing technologies to exploit reservoirs
in extreme conditions
Developing technologies making it possible to exploit hard-
to-reach reservoirs (production in ultra-deep water or far
underground, highly acid gas reservoirs and heavy crudes,
etc.) is essential for renewing the reserves. The costs of
producing, treating and transporting this petroleum, with a
high technological content, must also be reduced to make
producing these reservoirs economically viable.
Developing technologies for global reservoir
exploitation strategies
by O. Vizika, Director of the Reservoir Engineering Division

In the current context of ever increasing oil and gas demand,

enhancing their recovery rates while simultaneously taking into
account environmental concerns has become crucial. This requires a
better knowledge of both the distribution of oil and gas reserves in
the subsoil and the mechanisms via which hydrocarbons reach
production wells. It makes use of a broad array of advanced methods
and methodologies, from laboratory research to reservoir
monitoring, along with the development and use of reservoir and well
modeling and simulation software. IFP is involved in each of these
areas, through its exploratory and applied research, aimed both at
acquiring scientific and technical knowledge and developing
innovative technologies to optimize the development of reserves.

Incorporation of production and 4D seismic data into

reservoir models to simulate, control and optimize the
production of fields (Monitor consortium; Condor Flow and
Puma Flow software, marketed by Beicip-Franlab).

Studies of drilling cores help define reservoir

production conditions.

Quantifying uncertainties
to optimize reservoir production
by V. Richard, Deputy Director
of the Exploration-Production Technology Business Unit

Optimizing reservoir production involves, in particular, quantifying

the uncertainties associated with this production. IFP has been
making great efforts in this field for about a decade. The work
includes techniques for changing scales (to go from detailed
geological models to flow simulators), for updating 3D geological
and geophysical models, and, lastly, for monitoring reservoir
production.
Uncertainties are propagated through this system to quantify them
as they affect the flows of water, oil and gas in producing wells
according to various operating diagrams. IFP proposes solutions
based on experimental design methodologies that can deal
effectively with this problem and thereby increase the recovery
ratio of mature reservoirs.
The techniques developed by IFP enable Heavy crudes have high viscosities, making petroleum
engineering and reservoir development difficult.
better evaluation of the oil potential of
complex geographical zones
by B. Colletta, Director of the Geology –
Geochemistry - Geophysics Division

The majority of sedimentary basins have already been

explored with variable degrees of success. Conventional
targets have already been identified but a large number of
deeper or more complex zones are yet to be evaluated. One
of IFP’s research priorities is to develop tools and
methodologies making it possible to propose new targets in
the most complex or deepest zones. Because these zones
are difficult to survey using conventional methods, IFP has
developed new techniques to improve our understanding of
petroleum systems (3D maturation and migration of
hydrocarbons), reservoir imaging (stratigraphic inversion)
and our understanding of the architecture of these complex
zones (3D restoration).
Developing the production
IFP also develops multiclient projects, such as the MEC of extra heavy crudes
project, for example, which led to the development of a new
by J.F. Argillier, Project Manager
geological model for the stratigraphic organization of
Cretaceous horizons in the Middle East, a zone where some
Reserves of extra heavy crudes are extremely large,
of the most prolific oil systems are found. This project was
in particular in Venezuela and Canada. They are a
supported by many international oil companies (ENI, Norsk
major stake in a context of increasingly scarce fossil
Hydro, Repsol YPF, Shell, Statoil) and conducted in
resources. They are still little used because of their
partnership with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC).
high viscosity, which makes producing and
transporting them technically difficult. IFP’s work 7
aims at eliminating these technological obstacles
while ensuring the protection of the environment, in
particular in terms of CO2 emissions. Processes are
therefore being studied that are designed to improve
recovery, production and transport conditions for
heavy and extra-heavy oils. Developments include
the modeling of recovery processes, the optimization
of new production processes and the development of
new transport technologies.

Study of the Cretaceous in Iran, a horizon with high oil potential.

Reducing the costs of treating acid gases,

and protecting the environment
by J. Magne-Drisch, Project Manager

The Sprex ® process, developed jointly by IFP, Total, and Prosernat, is a

valuable response to the problem of treating natural gas with a high sulfur
content. This process can, in fact, extract up to 90% of the sulfur contained in
the raw gas (in the form of H 2S). When applied in specific conditions, it can
also eliminate a share of any CO 2 present. When used for pretreatment, it
significantly reduces the size of the equipment installed downstream and
cuts investment and operating costs. In addition, the acid gases are produced
at high pressure and in liquid form, making it possible to reinject them into
the reservoir economically. The Sprex ® technology is accordingly an
attractive technical solution that gives access to new reserves of gas while,
at the same time, limiting energy consumption and emissions of toxic gases Sprex ® pilot unit
into the atmosphere. (Total, Lacq - France).
Developing
new energy
systems

FP is active in the development Biofuels and synfuels

of new energy systems for A pioneer in the field of biofuels, IFP has acquired extended
transport that comply with the expertise during its twenty years of research work on the subject,
commitment to limit the both on biofuel production processes and on the impact of their
greenhouse effect. These systems use in engines. IFP is also involved in the production of synfuels
include, for example, biofuels and from natural gas, coal and biomass, thereby contributing to the
synfuels produced from feedstock development of alternative sources of energy that have important
other than oil (natural gas, coal, qualities in terms of environmental impact.
biomass, etc.).
IFP's work also aims at identifying Hydrogen
and developing approaches with the The use of hydrogen opens up interesting prospects in energy
potential for replacing conventional production, if it can be done under conditions that are
fuels, a role that might, for satisfactory both economically and in terms of CO2 balance.
example, be played by hydrogen in Developing technologies making it possible to produce hydrogen
the future. Finally, developing under such conditions, transport it in pipes and store it are a few
waste treatment as a source of of IFP’s research areas.
energy is also a priority.
Biomass and waste conversion
IFP is developing technologies and processes that will enhance
the recovery of energy from agricultural, household and
industrial wastes. These processes make it possible,
in particular, to recover the energy produced by their combustion
while reducing their impact on the environment.
Biofuels: from production
to use in engines
by F. Monot, Head of the Biotechnology
and Biomass Chemistry department,
and X. Montagne, Head of the Fuels –
Emissions - Lubricants department

IFP’s work is contributing to the development

of new sources of energy for transport that
can be of great value in preventing climate
change. For example, IFP’s researchers are
working on ways to produce fuels from
vegetable feedstock, also called “biofuels”:
improvements to existing processes (ethanol
fuel, ETBE, esters of vegetable oils) and new
processes to synthesize fuels from
lignocellulosic biomass (wood, grain and
forest residues, organic wastes). The quality of
these fuels must be compatible with the
engines of the most recent vehicles. The
impact of blends containing biofuels on the Diester Industrie’s biodiesel production unit in Sète
operation and life of engines (performance, (Hérault - France) using Axens’ Esterfip-H TM technology.
clogging, behavior of the lubricant, etc.) and
on emissions of pollutants is therefore being Esterfip-H™: a new biodiesel
very precisely evaluated. This is IFP’s major production technology
contribution to ensuring the compatibility of by L. Bournay, Project Manager
biofuels with current technologies, but also
those that will be needed to meet the most This technology, developed by IFP and marketed by its
stringent European antipollution standards. Axens partner, is a major innovation in the production of
IFP is also a major player in the fuel methyl esters from vegetable oils (VOME). It yields both
standardization process, particularly with VOME meeting European standards and a coproduct –
respect to biofuels. glycerine – of unrivalled purity. The development of this
coproduct is a decisive factor in the economics of this field
and, since it uses a solid catalyst, the technology also
eliminates the discharges inherent in older technologies
using a soluble catalyst.

Working with the ENI Group, IFP has developed a Fischer-

Tropsch synthesis process that has been successfully
tested on a pilot facility at the Agip refinery in Sannazzaro
(Italy). This process makes it possible to produce a very
high quality diesel fuel – free of both sulfur and aromatics
– from natural gas. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is based on
the use of a synthesis gas that can be obtained from
feedstocks as varied as natural gas, petroleum, coal,
biomass, etc.
 The co-production of hydrogen
and electricity with capture
of CO 2
H 2 export CO2
H2 by F. Giroudière, Project Manager
CO 2 CAPTURE

H 2+CO IFP is developing the HyGenSysTM process,

designed to produce hydrogen and electricity
Primary Secondary
combustion combustion
from natural gas and simultaneously
H2 capture CO2 at low cost. This new process
Air for the capture of CO2 at the precombustion
Hot gases stage applies the steam reforming reaction
Hot gas generator of natural gas in a compact reactor-converter
Steam
heated by convection and with an integral
Electricity gas turbine operating with a fraction of the
Natural Gas
Catalytic reactor / converter
hydrogen produced. The pairing of a highly
efficient reactor-converter with an electricity
Co-production of hydrogen and electricity with the HyGenSys TM process. production turbine cycle makes the process
particularly attractive.

11

Biopac pilot unit producing very

pure hydrogen from ethanol made
from biomass to supply a fuel cell.

IFP is working to develop energy

approaches using biomass and
biofuels. For example, work is being
done to adapt combustion turbines
to biofuel and to the lean gases
produced by methanation,
thermolysis and the gasification
of biomass.
Minimizing
pollutant
emissions

13

ustainable development Designing industrial facilities

S of our industrial societies

means protecting our
environment. Developing
with near-zero emissions
IFP’s R&D effort in this area is aimed at creating industrial
facilities with near-zero pollutant emissions, at both the
technologies to minimize pollutant production stage (oil and gas) and the refining stage. For
emissions, whether in the example, IFP has made a major contribution to the development
transport sector or in industrial of processes enabling near-zero SOx and NOx emissions.
facilities, is a permanent feature
of IFP’s research projects. Limiting pollution in the transport sector
Work is also being done on the The work done in this area is aimed first of all at minimizing
characterization of pollutants, emissions of pollutants. For this purpose, IFP is developing
a necessary preliminary to refining processes that produce ultra-clean fuels. IFP is also
proposing ways of dealing with working to develop innovative engine technologies and post-
accidental pollution of soils, treatment systems that will make it possible to come close to
the sea and the air. zero pollutant emissions.

Characterizing pollutants to deal

with accidental pollution
IFP has developed various tools to investigate and
characterize the environmental impact of pollutants on soils,
the sea and the air. For example, IFP has been called on to
characterize and evaluate the impact of the oil spills from
recent disasters at sea (the “Erika” and the “Prestige”). IFP is
also active in the field of antipollution technologies for the
treatment of air and water.
Producing ultra-clean fuels
to protect the environment
by N. Marchal,
Project Manager

Developing processes for the

production of ultra-clean fuels in
order to limit emissions of pollutants
in the transport sector is a key
research activity at IFP.
The Prime-G+TM refining process,
developed by IFP and marketed
by its Axens partner, is a prime
example. It produces gasolines with
a very low sulfur content, complying
with future specifications which will
limit the sulfur content in fuels in the
European Union to 10 ppm by 2009.
As a real innovation in the desulfurization of gasolines, Prime-G+ TM is
commercially very successful. This technology, the leader in its market,
has now been chosen by more than 120 refineries worldwide.

Reduction of diesel pollution

The excellent performance of IFP’s NADI TM diesel
combustion process
by Ph. Pinchon, Director of the Powertrain Engineering
Technology Business Unit

In connection with its work to reduce the fuel

consumption and pollutant emissions of vehicles, IFP
has developed a specific diesel homogeneous
combustion concept: the NADI TM (Narrow Angle Direct
Injection) process. It drastically reduces emissions of
soot and nitrogen oxides without hampering the
engine’s maximum performance. The process is
currently being applied to multicylinder engines,
in cooperation with various automakers. Industrial
development might be possible, in combination with an
exhaust gas post-treatment system, in response to the
tightening up of antipollution standards for diesel
IFP’s NADI TM diesel combustion process. engines (Euro 6).
 IFP is developing industrial
burners that can reduce
discharges of nitrogen oxides by
as much as 50% compared to
traditional technologies.

Pollusim: software
for predicting the
migration of
pollutants in soils
and aquifers.

15

The Pollut-Eval™ “ground”

analysis equipment, developed
by IFP, allows rapid analysis of
samples of soil polluted by
hydrocarbons. This technology
is used on-site to locate
pollutants during the
diagnostic phase and to sort
soils during pollution
abatement phases. It is also
used to track the evolution of
hydrocarbon concentrations
following their degradation in
soils. It is marketed by the
Vinci Technologies company.
Forestalling
the risks of
climate change

17

missions of carbon dioxide Reducing energy consumption

E (CO2) have increased by 60%

since 1970 and are expected
to keep rising because of the strong
IFP is working to reduce energy consumption, especially
in the transport sector, the growth of which constitutes the
main risk of increased emissions of CO2. The engine
growth in world energy technologies being developed aim, in particular, at reconciling
consumption. According to the IPCC higher efficiency with increasingly stringent specifications
(Intergovernmental Panel on limiting emissions of pollutants.
Climate Change), if nothing is done,
the content of this greenhouse gas Developing uses of energy
in the atmosphere could lead to a with a lower carbon content
temperature rise of between 2 and The development of low-carbon energy technologies is an
6°C, with potentially dramatic interesting approach to reducing emissions of CO2; it also
consequences for the planet. responds to the need to develop alternative sources of energy.
Given the prospect of a steady
growth in energy consumption, Capturing, transporting and storing emitted CO 2
reducing emissions of this gas is Capture, transport, and storage are emerging as a promising
a major technological challenge approach to which IFP is strongly committed, since the skills
for the years to come. IFP, with a necessary for its development are those used in the context
solid reputation on the national, of oil production.
European and global scenes, and
having the necessary key skills,
is committed to developing new
options to take up this challenge.
 Part of the European
Castor project, a
demonstration unit for
the capture of CO 2 from
the stack gases of a
coal-fired power station
(Dong company,
Denmark).

The capture, transport IFP, a leader of European research

and storage of CO 2 projects on the capture,
by A. Rojey, Director transport and storage of CO 2
for Sustainable Development by P. Le Thiez, Project Manager

The capture and underground storage of CO2 Work in the field of the capture, transport and storage of
constitute a promising approach for preventing CO2 is being done jointly with the industrial operators
global warming, and IFP intends to be a leading concerned, particularly in Europe.
player in the development of this approach. For example, IFP is coordinating the vast Castor project,
Fossil fuels today account for nearly 80% of all which groups 30 partners –industrialists and research
emissions of CO2. A suitable response to the centers– from 11 European Union member countries.
risk of climate change would require the The project’s strategic objectives are to significantly
capture and underground storage of a reduce the cost of capture of CO2 and to increase
significant share of the CO2 so emitted. This the safety of geological storage, in order to enable,
storage would have to be secure for a very long in the longer term, a 10% reduction of European
period, in the region of a thousand years. emissions of this gas.
The world’s CO2 storage potential is still being IFP is also committed to the Encap project, aimed at
evaluated, but already seems to be power generation accompanied by the production of
considerable. Further studies are required to hydrogen and the capture of carbon dioxide in a
refine our estimate of its size. Storage precombustion stage. Finally, IFP is coordinating the
operations using aquifers or abandoned INCA CO2 support action, aimed at strengthening the
petroleum reservoirs are already in progress. position of the European Commission in the international
Thus this approach is already a reality. However strategy to combat emissions of CO2. IFP is also involved
major difficulties remain to be overcome: in in the European ZEP Platform (“Zero emission fossil fuel
particular, the costs of capture –still high today– power plants”), which brings together the main players in
must be brought down and there must be some the production of electricity from fossil fuels with capture
assurance of the long-term safety and integrity and storage of CO2 in Europe.
of this storage. All these research projects were set in place in a
relatively short time, a clear illustration of IFP’s
determination and ability to act and to innovate for
sustainable development.
The development of engines fueled
with natural gas for vehicles (NGV) Technological
by R. Tilagone, Head of the Engines Laboratory department, approaches
IFP-Lyon investigated

Among the various sources of energy for transport, NGV has signifi- ■ Capture
cant intrinsic advantages in terms of emissions of greenhouse IFP is investigating various CO2
gases. Because of its chemical composition and its characteristics, capture options: postcombustion
for existing industrial units,
favorable to effective use in an engine, natural gas can substantially
precombustion for new units.
reduce emissions of CO2: by nearly 25% compared to gasoline com-
Innovative ways to capture CO2
bustion based on a standardized cycle.
in stack gases, either by solvent
IFP, already strongly committed in this field, has recently demons- scrubbing or by chemical
trated the value of an engine adapted to NGV, having produced: looping, are under study.
■ in cooperation with Gaz de France and partially funded by ADEME, IFP is searching for new
a prototype Smart vehicle optimized for this gas; oxycombustion options, with
direct transfer of oxygen
■ in cooperation with Gaz de France, Inrets and Valeo and partially
from the air using redox solid
funded by ADEME, a prototype hybrid vehicle on a Smart base;
phases in order to obtain
■ in cooperation with Gaz de France, a Prius NGV vehicle, awarded combustion gases in which
first prize in the 2006 Bibendum Challenge. the CO2 is concentrated
and easy to recover.
Finally, IFP is active in the search
for new energy production
processes involving the
production of synthesis gas
and hydrogen, together with
the capture of CO2
in the precombustion stage.
19
■ Transport
As regards the transport of CO2,
which is already routinely
practiced, IFP is studying various
modes of transport and is
developing the methods required
to guarantee their optimum
safety and reliability.

A prototype hybrid Smart vehicle produced by IFP in

cooperation with Gaz de France, Inrets, Valeo and ADEME. ■ Storage
Three geological storage modes
can be considered: storage in
depleted oil and gas reservoirs,
in deep aquifers and in unused
coal seams. IFP’s work aims at
Analyzing the risks related to storage reducing the costs of this
of CO 2 in tapping reservoirs storage while ensuring its long-
by Y. Le Gallo, Reservoir Engineer term safety and integrity. The
work being done includes the
Before deciding to use a petroleum or gas reservoir or a deep aquifer development of suitable models,
with, in particular, allowance for
to store CO2 for a long period, it is necessary to analyze and assess
geochemical interactions
the risk of leaks, in order to quantify their potential impact. The work
between the CO2 and the
being done in this field aims at modeling the behavior of the storage
reservoir rock. Seismic
facility over time in the context of scenarios that cause a loss of monitoring methods are also
tightness (damage to the integrity of the well or to the reservoir being studied, to make it
formations, reactivation of faults, etc.). The development of these possible to control the extension
conceptual or numerical models serves to enhance the safety of the of the stored gas bubble and the
storage facilities, thereby helping to make this new option in the fight integrity of the overburden.
against the greenhouse effect possible and sustainable.
IFP’s skills for
the benefit of
sustainable development

ts work on sustainable Industrial development

development calls on all of IFP’s In a constant drive for progress, IFP aids the conversion from
skills and is spread over IFP’s invention to innovation, from patent to product and from research to
various missions. industry. Since its inception, IFP has therefore been a major force for
industrial development, with more than 12,500 patents to its credit.
Research The work done by IFP leads to new techniques and new
The studies concerning sustainable processes and is performed in close cooperation with the various
development are based on a industries concerned. The software, processes and technologies
spectrum of fundamental research developed by IFP involve IFP’s various industrial partners (which
programs and on IFP’s key skills in include Beicip-Franlab, Axens, Prosernat, etc.). Many actions in
such sectors as the earth sciences, the field of sustainable development also involve joint work with
fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, all sectors of industry, in particular SMEs.
chemical engineering, combustion
science and catalysis, which are Information and documentation
represented in the research IFP works very actively to produce information and
divisions. These fundamental documentation concerning the whole range of issues relevant to
research programs make use, in sustainable development in energy. Its many books, articles and
particular, of work done in the conference papers blend interdisciplinary scientific expertise,
context of theses and are technical-economic analyses and market intelligence, placing all
implemented after in-depth of IFP’s knowledge, as an independent source, in the service of
consultation of French, European the community and of industry, in order to meet the broad public
and international laboratories. interest needs and industrial challenges that will be reshaping
Research work is also done in the the energy scene of this century.
context of research contracts of a
various nature: bilateral contracts, Training
consortiums, JIPs. An integral part of IFP, the IFP School offers graduate training
programs for young engineers designed to meet the needs of
industry. The quality of its teaching, combined with the extent and
diversity of its partnerships with universities and industry, make it a
prominent international force. Every year, more than 500 students
from around the globe graduate from the school, fully prepared
to take up the challenges posed by the energies of the future.
 Photos: IFP, Getty Images, Photo France, X. Design & layout: Éditoria / 200706

IFP (Head office) IFP-Lyon

1 et 4, avenue de Bois-Préau - 92852 Rueil-Malmaison Cedex - France BP 3 - 69390 Vernaison - France
Tel.: +33 1 47 52 60 00 - Fax: +33 1 47 52 70 00 Tel.: +33 4 78 02 20 20 - Fax: +33 4 78 02 20 15

www.ifp.fr