--- title: "Fuels, Gas & Chemicals Processing | BBA" date: 2025-12-19T15:53:00-05:00 author: Sophie Poulin canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/services/engineering/fuels-gas-and-chemicals-processing" section: Services --- 1. Your operational reality - ![Ec icon FCP emerging fuel aqua background web SQ HR BBA ing](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/_1000x1000_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/211593/ec_icon_FCP-emerging-fuel-aqua-background_web_SQ_HR_BBA.webp) ### Emerging fuels introducing new technical and operational considerations introduce new process behaviors, materials challenges and safety considerations that must be carefully integrated into existing facilities. - ![Ec icon FCP lower emissions aqua background web SQ HR BBA ing](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/_1000x1000_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/211594/ec_icon_FCP-lower-emissions-aqua-background_web_SQ_HR_BBA.webp) ### Growing expectations for lower carbon-intensity and safer facilities Stricter environmental, safety and reporting requirements demand solutions that reduce carbon intensity, improve efficiency and manage risk across the asset lifecycle. - ![Ec icon FCP process efficiency aqua background web SQ HR BBA ing](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/_1000x1000_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/211595/ec_icon_FCP-process-efficiency-aqua-background_web_SQ_HR_BBA.webp) ### Constant pressure to remain globally competitive Aging assets and energy-intensive processes make optimization essential to sustain safe, high-performance and economically competitive operations. 2. BBA's approach ## We engineer safe, efficient and carbon-smart systems built to compete Modern fuels and chemicals facilities demand solutions rooted in rigorous process engineering and validated through real operating experience. Our teams combine deep technical expertise with practical judgment to ensure new technologies, upgrades and optimizations deliver reliable performance across a wide range of operating conditions—while supporting production targets, cost discipline and operational resilience. Process performance, energy use, safety and asset value are inseparable. Our integrated engineering approach addresses these dimensions together to help clients protect margins, manage risk and sustain long-term asset value, all while maintaining uncompromising safety standards and operational reliability. 3. - ## Why do clients choose to work with BBA? Delivering reliable fuels and chemicals projects requires more than strong engineering. It demands operational fluency, broad technology perspective and the ability to align stakeholders around solutions that perform—technically, operationally and economically. - **Proven operational insight** that anticipates system behaviour, identifies risks early and strengthens operability - **Deep understanding of the full technology portfolio** across fuels, chemicals, hydrogen, LNG and emerging energy carriers - **A strong integrator** **role** aligning developers, technology providers, utilities and operators around practical, buildable and operable solutions - **Data-driven and field-tested engineering** that improves efficiency, agility and long-term asset performance - **Continuity from concept to operation** ensuring decisions remain aligned with business objectives, operating realities and lifecycle performance - **Client-owned outcomes**, with all improvements, solutions and intellectual property remaining fully with our clients—supporting their competitiveness without ownership constraints or long-term dependency This approach delivers facilities that are safe, efficient and carbon-smart—engineered to perform reliably, adapt over time and remain competitive in real operating conditions. - ## How does BBA help improve efficiency and reliability in fuel, gaz and chemical processes? By designing, optimizing and validating processes that operate stably, safely and at peak performance under real operating conditions—while aligning technical decisions with long-term operating strategy, asset value and business objectives. **What we do** - **Identify** and resolve performance constraints, including bottlenecks, energy losses, and integration gaps that limit throughput, reliability or operability - **Develop and** optimize process designs using rigorous modelling, simulation and operational insight to ensure stable, efficient and controllable operation - **Apply advanced process control and digital tools** to monitor performance, improve stability and sustain efficiency under variable operating conditions - **Support scale-up from concept to commercial operation** using proven methodologies that validate system behaviour and protect long-term performance - **Validate and refine process performance in operation**, leveraging field data to sustain reliability, efficiency and asset value over time **You gain** processes engineered for efficiency, reliability and predictability, supporting operational continuity, cost discipline and long-term asset value. - ## How does BBA’s technology-agnostic approach help de-risk technology readiness and ensure project viability at any stage of design or production? BBA enables clients to make confident, stage-appropriate decisions by keeping technology choices flexible, comparable and aligned with real operating and business constraints throughout the project lifecycle. **What we do** - **Evaluate and compare multiple technology pathways** to clarify readiness, limitations and integration risks early in the project - **Apply** objective, performance-based selection criteria focused on operability, safety, scalability and lifecycle value rather than vendor-driven assumptions - **Design flexible and scalable systems** that allow technologies to mature, evolve or be phased without compromising reliability or asset integrity - **Support gated decision-making and phased deployment**, aligning technology maturity with investment thresholds, market conditions and production objectives **You gain** projects that remain viable, adaptable and investment-ready at every stage, from early concept through commercial operation. - ## What makes BBA effective at reducing business, technical and operational risk in complex facilities? By applying a fully integrated, technology-agnostic risk framework that connects engineering rigor, operational reality and business decision-making across the entire project lifecycle. **What we do:** - **Assess and de-risk technology readiness** across design and production stages, ensuring solutions are viable, operable and investment-ready at any level of maturity - **Conduct comprehensive risk analyses**, including hazardous materials handling, toxic dispersion, process safety and operational risk, grounded in real facility conditions - **Integrate business, regulatory, environmental and stakeholder risks** into a single, coherent mitigation strategy that strengthens project credibility with boards, shareholders and investors - **Provide independent technical and strategic reviews**, supporting major investment decisions with objective analysis across mechanical, electrical and process systems **You gain** clearer decisions, reduced uncertainty and stronger confidence that facilities can operate safely, reliably and in line with business and regulatory expectations. - ## How does BBA support the hydrogen and advanced fuels journey? BBA helps clients move hydrogen and advanced fuels from concept to operation by aligning emerging technologies with existing assets, operating realities and business objectives, while actively reducing technical and commercial risk at every stage. **What we do:** - **Evaluate and compare production pathways** including electrolysis, reforming and pyrolysis, assessing technical maturity, operability and fit with site-specific constraints - **Assess safety, compliance,** permitting and carbon intensity, ensuring projects align with regulatory pathways and risk expectations from early design onward - **Support pilots, technology selection and scale-up strategies**, de-risking technology readiness and strengthening the business case as projects progress - **Integrate new fuel systems** with existing power, process, utilities and storage infrastructure to preserve reliability and operational continuity - **Design** optimized system line-ups that balance capital discipline, operating margins, maintainability and long-term operating costs **You gain** a clear, technically validated and investment-ready roadmap for hydrogen and advanced fuels that is grounded in feasibility, operational realism and long-term performance - ## How does BBA ensure LNG and cryogenic systems perform safely and efficiently? BBA applies specialized cryogenic engineering expertise to design and integrate systems that manage extreme temperatures, thermal contraction and safety-critical conditions without compromising performance or operability. **What we do:** - **Design LNG liquefaction, storage and regasification systems** optimized for safety, efficiency and operational reliability - **Engineer cryogenic piping, vessels, materials and insulation systems**, accounting for thermal stresses, contraction, fatigue and long-term durability - **Apply advanced safety and risk analyses**, including HAZOP, QRA and LOPA, in alignment with NFPA and CSA requirements - **Support construction, cost** control and commissioning, ensuring systems perform as intended under real operating conditions **You gain** cryogenic systems that operate safely, efficiently and reliably, protecting people, assets and long-term operational performance under demanding conditions. - ## What makes BBA a strong partner for long-term asset performance and optimization? BBA approaches assets as integrated systems that must perform reliably over time, not just as isolated components. Our focus is on anticipating degradation, managing risk early and sustaining high on-stream factors through disciplined, preventive and data-informed decision-making. **What we do:** - **Assess asset condition and lifecycle performance**, looking beyond the immediate issue to understand system-wide interactions, degradation mechanisms and long-term consequences - **Identify** efficiency, reliability and risk-reduction opportunities that improve availability, reduce unplanned downtime and strengthen operational resilience - **Align optimization strategies with operating realities**, including maintenance practices, budgets, turnaround planning and long-term business objectives - **Support implementation through data-driven monitoring and performance tracking**, enabling early detection of weak signals and continuous improvement over time **You** gain assets that operate more reliably, deliver higher availability and productivity, and achieve lower lifecycle costs with stronger returns on every investment. 4. > The real challenge isn’t adopting new technologies — it’s making them work reliably in complex, integrated systems. Our role is to connect innovation with the realities of operation. The organizations that learn to master these new technologies will stand apart, and we’re committed to helping them get there. Stephane Charest, VP Energy and Chemicals 5. 6. Our team - ![Ec employee men joe nava retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_1080x1030_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/204317/ec_employee_men_joe-nava_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)### Joe Nava, P.Eng. Global Director, Advanced Fuels and Chemicals **For over 35 years, Joe Nava has been leveraging expertise to design and optimize complex processes in oil and gas, and advanced fuels and chemicals,** delivering reliable solutions that meet performance standards and stakeholder objectives. **Key expertise and certifications** - End-to-end engineering and delivery: conceptual, FEL-2/3/FEED, detailed design and EPC/EPCM - Technology integration and process optimization in refining, petrochemicals and gasification - Process definition and simulation, techno-economics and risk management - Technical leadership on international, multidisciplinary programs **Major achievements:** Led more than 100 projects in oil, gas and advanced fuels, including hydrogen, low carbon fuels and carbon solutions, delivered in international environments. **Approach and added value:** Joe transforms technical complexity into strategic levers, de-risking investments and supporting the energy transition by advancing profitable, sustainable energy projects. - ![Ec employee women susan campbell retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_1080x1030_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/204307/ec_employee_women-_susan-campbell_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)### Susan Campbell, P.Eng., PMP Director, Decarbonization **Susan Campbell brings over 25 years of experience leading strategic technology projects and carbon initiatives,** combining technical rigour with leadership to secure investments and optimize performance. **Key expertise and certifications** - Advanced carbon reduction technologies - Optimization of the energy value chain - Process engineering and complex facility design - Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), PMP **Major achievements:** Managed complex projects in renewable co-processing and carbon strategies, delivering innovative solutions for major players in the energy sector. **Approach and added value:** Susan combines in-depth technical expertise and strategic leadership to deliver reliable results, anticipate technical and regulatory challenges and accelerate the energy transition. - ![Pr employee men brad hansen retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_648x618_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/205535/Pr-employee-men-brad-hansen-retouch-web-SQ-LR-BBA.webp)### Brad Hansen P.Eng. Vice-President, Operations – Canadian Prairies **Brad has over 20 years of experience in industrial project development, operational management,** technology commercialization, and innovation. He combines technical expertise, strategic vision, and multidisciplinary leadership to support teams and guide critical decisions in complex projects and investments. **Key expertise** - Energy, mining, and industrial project development - Geosciences and environmental performance - Operational management and direct technical consulting - Strategic planning and decision support - Technology licensing **Major achievements** Brad has led technical and commercial teams internationally, with a strong focus on energy and the energy transition. **Approach and added value** Brad reflects BBA’s approach by combining rigor, collaboration, and operational grounding to maximize project value and client performance outcomes. - ![Ec employee women andreanne frigon retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_1080x1030_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/204213/ec_employee_women-_andreanne-frigon_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)### Andréanne Frigon, P.Eng. Department Manager, Process Oil, Gas and Biofuels **With almost 10 years of experience in process engineering, Andréanne Frigon supports strategic projects in advanced fuels and chemicals,** helping deliver complex projects in a structured, agile and efficient way. **Key expertise** - Technology development and scale-up - Conceptual and feasibility studies for innovative projects - PFD and P&ID design - Member of the OIQ and EGBC **Major achievements:** Led complex projects, including more than five carbon capture initiatives and over 20 strategic projects in advanced fuels and chemicals, including studies, commissioning and operations. **Approach and added value:** Andréanne stands out for her ability to turn ambitious goals into practical solutions. Her technical expertise, combined with strategic vision and an agile approach, help clients deliver innovative projects. - ![Ulric Chayer](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_1080x1030_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/204016/Ulric-Chayer.webp)### Ulric Chayer, P.Eng. Department Manager, Mechanical - ![Olivier Bertrand](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_1080x1030_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/204018/Olivier-Bertrand.webp)### Olivier Bertrand, P.Eng. Process engineer **Process engineer with eight years of experience,** Olivier specializes in multi-disciplinary project management, biomass conversion, and process engineering. He supports FEL-1through FEED enfineering phases by translating simulations into concrete design decisions, from PFDs to P&IDs. **Key expertise and certifications** - Natural gas and acid gas processing, material and energy balances - Process design and simulation (Aspen, AFT) - FEED engineering, PFD and P&ID development - Licensed professional engineer (OIQ, APEGA) **Major achievements:** Olivier has delivered projects supporting biomass conversion and process optimization, from FEL-1 through FEED, including simulations, material balances, and other process deliverables. **Approach and added value:** He applies rigorous, practical engineering to strengthen technical decisions, compliance, and operational performance. - ![Anthony Blouin](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_1080x1030_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/184600/Anthony_Blouin.webp)### Anthony Blouin, P.Eng. Senior engineer, Process **With over ten years of experience as a carbon capture and utilization specialist,** Anthony brings strong expertise in point source and direct air capture of carbon, CO2 conversion technologies, natural gas, and LNG. His background includes process simulation, material and energy balances, equipment sizing, PFDs and P&IDs, as well as technical troubleshooting and operational support. **Key expertise and certifications** - Process simulation, material and energy balances, equipment sizing - PFD and P&ID development and analysis - Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), LNG, biofuels - Solids handling and processing - Licensed professional engineer (OIQ and APEGA) **Major achievements** : Anthony has delivered high level studies to detailed engineering projects across CCUS, natural gas, LNG, acid gas treatment, biofuels, and solids handling. **Approach and added value** : He applies rigorous, practical engineering based on operational and commissioning experience to support sound decisions, compliance, and operational performance across energy and chemical processing projects. He is confident both in high level studies where information is scarce and detailed engineering mandates. - ![Ec employee men alexandre rousseau retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_1080x1030_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/204275/ec_employee_men_alexandre-rousseau_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)### Alexandre Rousseau, P.Eng, CEM®, CIEP™ Director, Energy Efficiency **As a senior expert in energy solutions, Alexandre Rousseau leverages 10+ years of expertise** to design and deploy high-performance strategies and optimize industrial systems. **Key expertise** - Energy strategies and transition - ISO 50002 audits and ISO 50001 energy management systems - Optimization of prime movers and thermal systems - Certified CEM® and CIEP™ instructor OIQ member **Major achievements:** Provided strategic energy performance consulting for major industrial sites, generating significant cost savings and securing critical financial aid. **Approach and added value:** Alexandre takes a pragmatic and collaborative approach to convert energy data into strategic decisions, helping clients reduce risk, optimize investments and successfully navigate their energy transition. - ![Stephane Charest](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_2000x1908_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/200712/Stephane-Charest_2025-03-27-190325_tzzc.webp)### Stéphane Charest, P.Eng. Vice-president, Energy and Chemicals Market **For nearly 30 years, Stéphane Charest has connected operators with technology developers** in the energy and chemical processing sectors. His goal is to turn innovations into reliable, profitable industrial solutions without compromising operational stability. **Key expertise** - Designing and optimizing refining, gas, industrial and chemical processes - Scaling up and integrating new technologies into commercial plants - Industrial utilities and energy excellence - HAZOP/HAZID, reliability (RAM) and incident investigations - Managing complex projects and coordinating multiple stakeholders **Major achievements**: Managed over 30 unit-improvement projects (gas treatment, refining, CO₂ capture/utilization, speciality products) across North America, Europe and the Middle East. **Approach and added value**: Stéphane ensures engineering solutions are implemented while being profitable, reliable and sustainable in large-scale commercial operations. - ![Vishrey Patel](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_1080x1030_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/206705/Vishrey-Patel.webp)### Vishrey Patel P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Advanced Fuels and Chemicals **With over ten years of experience in process engineering and project development,** Vishrey Patel works on process design, modelling of complex processes, and optimization across the biofuels, oil & gas, chemicals, and hydrogen sectors. Experienced in FEL studies and EPCM mandates, he also contributes to commissioning activities and the resolution of technical challenges during project execution. **Key expertise and certifications** - Process modelling, simulation, and optimization - Hydrogen production and chemical processes - FEL studies and feasibility analysis - Equipment design and process control - Member of PEO **Major achievements :** Delivered projects in biofuels, oil & gas, hydrogen, and chemicals, including FEL studies, EPCM execution, and process optimization initiatives. **Approach and added value :** Vishrey applies a rigorous and collaborative approach, delivering reliable engineering solutions, reducing technical risk, and providing clear technical support for the energy transition. 7. - [](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/contact) ![Icon FCP improve efficiency navy background web SQ HR BBA ing](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/_1000x1000_fit_center-center_100_none_ffffff/211596/icon_FCP-improve-efficiency-navy-background_web_SQ_HR_BBA.webp) ### Looking to improve efficiency, safety or long-term performance? Our teams help you navigate critical decisions with engineering solutions grounded in operational reality and long-term asset performance. [ Contact our team ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/contact)