Method for steam cracking

A process for cracking a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising the steps of:

• feeding hydrocarbon feedstock and dilution steam to a reactor;
• bringing the hydrocarbon feedstock and dilution steam to supersonic velocities in the reactor, followed by applying a shockwave to induce cracking of the hydrocarbon feedstock, to convert at least a part of the hydrocarbon mixture to produce olefins;
• wherein the hydrocarbon feedstock, the dilution steam and/or a mixture thereof are preheated before entering the reactor and wherein the preheating is carried out at least partially by means of one or more electrically powered heat sources,
• wherein the electrically powered heat sources are powered by electricity from a renewable energy or low-carbon source,
• wherein sensible or latent heat of effluent exiting the reactor is extracted at least partially by means of one or more heat exchangers and used to at least partially preheat the hydrocarbon feedstock, dilution steam or mixture thereof.