HPCL's Visakh Refinery RUF Boosts India's Energy Security

India has commissioned a major Residue Upgradation Facility at HPCL's Visakh Refinery, marking a significant step in the nation's energy security journey. The facility uses advanced technology to convert low-value refinery residue into high-value petroleum products with a 93% conversion rate. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted the project's focus on indigenous engineering, including the fabrication of some of the world's heaviest reactors within India. This development aims to reduce import dependence and support the country's growing economy by maximizing value from crude oil.

Key Points: HPCL's Residue Upgradation Facility Commissioned in Vizag

  • Converts refinery residue to high-value products
  • 3.55 MMT per annum capacity
  • 93% conversion rate
  • Indigenous engineering & manufacturing
2 min read

Bharat's energy security journey hits major milestone with HPCL's RUF commissioning: Hardeep Puri

India's energy security gets a boost with HPCL's new Visakh Refinery facility, converting residue into high-value fuels under PM Modi's leadership.

Bharat's energy security journey hits major milestone with HPCL's RUF commissioning: Hardeep Puri
"a decisive leap toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat - Hardeep Singh Puri"

New Delhi, Jan 4

Bharat's journey toward achieving energy security has reached an important milestone with the successful commissioning of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited's Residue Upgradation Facility at the Visakh Refinery in Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Sunday.

Sharing the development on social media platform X, Puri said the commissioning of the facility marks a decisive step toward a self-reliant India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

He described the project as a major boost to Bharat's energy security ambitions.

"Bharat's journey toward achieving energy security has reached a milestone with the successful commissioning of HPCL's Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) at the Visakh Refinery," Puri said on X.

"This critical infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh is a decisive leap toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat, under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi and CM N Chandrababu Naidu," he added.

The Residue Upgradation Facility at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited's Visakh Refinery is designed to convert low-value refinery residue into high-value petroleum products using advanced residue hydrocracking technology.

With a capacity of 3.55 million metric tonnes per annum, the facility can achieve a conversion rate of around 93 per cent, helping maximise the use of every barrel of crude oil.

Puri highlighted that the project stands out for its strong focus on indigenous engineering and manufacturing.

The facility houses three LC-Max reactors, each weighing nearly 2,200 metric tonnes, making them among the heaviest engineering blocks in the world.

He noted that these reactors were fabricated and assembled entirely within Bharat, reflecting the country's growing capabilities in complex industrial engineering.

According to the minister, the commissioning of the RUF will not only improve fuel efficiency and refinery output but also reduce dependence on imports by extracting more value from existing crude supplies.

He said such projects are critical for supporting India's fast-growing economy and meeting rising energy demand in a sustainable manner.

Puri added that the Vizag refinery project strengthens India's push toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat and showcases how large-scale infrastructure, powered by domestic expertise, can play a key role in securing the nation's energy future.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A 93% conversion rate is impressive! This kind of indigenous technology development is exactly what we need. It will save precious foreign exchange and make our energy supply more secure. Hope this success is replicated in other refineries too.
V
Vikram M
Good step, but the article is heavy on political credit and light on tangible benefits for the common person. Will this actually reduce petrol and diesel prices for us? That's the real milestone we are waiting for.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the manufacturing sector, I'm most impressed by the indigenous fabrication of those massive 2200-tonne reactors. It shows our engineering prowess. This is real nation-building work.
R
Rohit P
Visakhapatnam is becoming an energy hub! Great for Andhra's development and job creation. Hope the environmental impact is managed well. We need energy security, but also clean air and water for our people.
K
Karthik V
Maximising value from every barrel is crucial. With global oil prices so volatile, such projects make our economy more resilient. This is strategic infrastructure. Well done HPCL!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50