This article sets out to survey the remarkable development that has taken place in catalysis in the refining and petrochemical industries since the middle of the 20th century, and more especially since the 1970s, highlighting what appears to be the most significant progress. It then attempts to outline the energy and environmental context for the coming decades which will govern the trend in industrial catalysis in the 21st century. Although the reduction of CO2 will eventually require the decarbonization of energy carriers, oil will still remain the principal source of liquid motor fuels for a long time. However, the share of gas will gradually increase and hydrogen is destined to play an important part as an energy carrier. The use of biomass will develop, but at a modest level. Within this framework, catalysis will still play a leading role in technical and economic development in the 21st century, even though it is far from being an emerging discipline. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.