The shipping sector faces significant challenges in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) is currently a common marine fuel, but it has a significant climate impact. In order to cut emissions, alternative methods for producing low carbon methane could be a promising way forward. Since this fuel can be used in existing engines, it enables a smooth transition towards more sustainable solutions. In future refineries for production of renewable fuels, technical choices can affect the amount of methane generated as a by-product. This thesis will investigate potential production pathways for Preem to manufacture low carbon methane for use as a shipping fuel.

Subject

The thesis will focus on comparing various chemical process units within a refinery where methane could be generated as a by-product. The alternatives will be assessed from both a technical and economic perspective to identify the most favourable processes for methane production in both the short and long term. The thesis will be carried out during the spring of 2026 (30 credits).

Purpose

The aim of this thesis is to examine which technical options for methane production would be beneficial for a refinery with renewable production in the future.

Questions to be addressed in the thesis:

• What options for methane production exist at Preem, considering how the refinery will look in the future with renewable production?

• Which production pathways are the most advantageous for Preem, both technically and economically, in the short and long term?

We offer

You will be an important part of Preem - a workplace characterized by a welcoming atmosphere, trust in the employees and the ambition to be the best in the industry when it comes to sustainability. Here, you get freedom with responsibility and often the chance to be involved in entire processes - from start to finish. The fact that our refineries are among the most efficient in Europe doesn't stop us: we want to keep improving. Thanks to our size and our complex products, there is always something new to learn in an exciting business characterized by rapid change, clear rules and high safety standards.

Do you have this background?

We are looking for someone with a strong interest in renewable fuels and climate mitigation. You should also have a good understanding of mass and energy balances as well as basic knowledge of stoichiometry. For example, you may have studied the master’s programme in Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovative and Sustainable Chemical Engineering, or Industrial Ecology and/or have a background in chemical engineering, engineering physics or mechanical engineering.

The project will take place as part of the FUTNERC collaboration between Preem and Chalmers, and therefore applicants should be Chalmers students and will have an academic supervisor from the Division of Energy Technology.

We prefer that the thesis is carried out by two people, and you can apply either with someone else or individually (in which case, we will match you with another applicant).

The assignment starts 

January/February 2026

Is this you

We are looking for students who are Responsible, Innovative, Inclusive and show potential for self-leadership. We will place great emphasis on personal qualities and interest in Preem's business. Of course, you also share our green ambitions. Because when it comes down to it, there is no direction more important than the one towards a more sustainable society.

Next steps

If you have any questions about the thesis, you are welcome to contact Sandra Arvidsson, sandra.arvidsson@preem.se or Simon Harvey, simon.harvey@chalmers.se .

Selection takes place continuously during the advertising period and the degree project may be filled before the application period ends. Send your application as soon as possible but no later than 2025-10-27.

Preem only accepts applications submitted via their recruitment system platform.

Trade union contact person can be found here.

We are looking forward to seeing your application!

About Preem

PREEM is Sweden's largest fuel company. Our vision is to lead the transformation towards a sustainable society. By 2035, Preem aims to produce about 5 million cubic meters of renewable fuels and be climate neutral throughout the value chain.

Preem's refineries are among the most modern and environmentally friendly in Europe with a refining capacity of over 18 million cubic meters per year. We process and sell fuel, heating and lubricating oil and other products to companies and private individuals.

We have a nationwide service network with about 500 stations for private and commercial traffic. Preem AB has about 1,500 employees, of which 1,100 work at the refineries. For the full year 2022, Preem's turnover was SEK 161 billion.

Read more about Preem's vision, values and a career at Preem here.