Abstract: To achieve high-value and low-carbon utilization of refinery by-product petroleum coke, this study proposes a technical route for producing light olefins via petroleum coke gasification-methanol-olefins process. Two process schemes—a conventional route and a green hydrogen-supplemented route—were constructed and comprehensively analyzed in terms of energy consumption, economic performance, and carbon reduction potential. The results indicate that the conventional route is already competitive under current market conditions, while the green hydrogen-supplemented route significantly outperforms the conventional one in terms of energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction through process optimization and carbon resource recycling. This route also substantially increases olefin production and exhibits leapfrog competitiveness as the cost of renewable electricity decreases. Compared with direct combustion of petroleum coke, both routes achieve significant carbon reduction, with the green hydrogen-supplemented route approaching near-zero emissions. This technology demonstrates the dual function of large-scale integration of wind and solar power and simultaneous production of bulk chemicals, providing important data support and decision-making reference for the petrochemical industry in achieving efficient resource utilization and low-carbon transition.

Key words: petroleum coke, energy consumption, methanol to propylene, renewable electricity, carbon emissions