Ali Abdullah Al Qadri

Ph.D Student

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

Ali Abdullah Al-Qadri is a chemical engineering researcher specializing in clean-energy process design and waste-to-fuel technologies. He is a PhD candidate at KFUPM with an outstanding academic record, focusing on developing integrated systems that convert low-value waste into clean fuels using process simulation, technoeconomic analysis, machine learning, and life-cycle assessment.


Ali holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from KFUPM, graduating with distinction. His research experience spans sustainable energy systems, CO₂ utilization, syngas chemistry, and plastic waste valorization, contributing to more than 20 publications in leading journals.


He has served as a Teaching and Research Assistant, supported award-winning research projects, and earned recognition including a finalist position in KFUPM’s Renewable Energy Technical Incubator and second place in the ChemIndix Carbon Hackathon. Ali aims to advance innovative technologies that support cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.

Participates in

TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules

Pathways to Net-Zero Refining and Petrochemical Facilities
Forum 16 | Digital Poster Plaza 3
30
April
10:00 12:00
UTC+3
Decarbonization policies and circular economy imperatives are reshaping the role of heavy fuel oil (HFO), long considered a high-carbon by-product, and plastic waste, a rapidly growing environmental challenge across the Gulf region. This study presents an innovative co-gasification pathway that simultaneously valorizes refinery residues and polyethylene (PE) waste into competitive, low-carbon hydrogen. By addressing two hard-to-abate streams within one integrated design, the process contributes to regional ambitions of carbon neutrality, waste minimization, and clean energy leadership.

A process simulation was developed in Aspen Plus V14, benchmarking conventional HFO gasification against HFO–PE co-gasification (1:1 ratio). Feed decomposition was modeled through RYield reactors, while gasification was performed in an entrained-flow RGibbs reactor at 900 °C and 1 atm. Downstream units included water-gas shift for H₂/CO tuning, and CO₂ capture at 99% recovery. Performance indicators comprised hydrogen yield, H₂/CO ratio, stoichiometric number, process efficiencies, and CO₂ intensity. Technoeconomic assessment was carried out for a 100 kg/h feed plant using standard cost correlations.

The blended feedstock achieved significant advantages over HFO-only gasification: a 76% improvement in H₂/CO ratio, a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions per unit of hydrogen, and a 16% rise in overall efficiency. Hydrogen yield increased by 19%, while the levelized cost of hydrogen decreased from $2.29/kg to $1.92/kg—competitive with steam methane reforming. Profitability projections showed a 51% higher net present value and a shorter payback period (12 vs. 14 years). These findings demonstrate that HFO–PE co-gasification offers a replicable and scalable pathway for sustainable hydrogen production. By transforming waste and low-value residues into clean energy, the design exemplifies how technological integration can advance both emissions reduction and economic competitiveness. This work highlights a practical solution for GCC economies and beyond, reinforcing the Congress theme of building inclusive and actionable pathways to an energy future for all.

Co-author/s:

Usama Ahmed, Associate Professor, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
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