NewKerala.com

HPCL's Visakh Refinery Unveils Mega Upgradation Facility, Boosting Energy Independence

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has commissioned a major Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) at its Visakhapatnam refinery, marking a significant step toward energy self-reliance. The Rs 31,407 crore project increases the refinery's processing capacity from 8.33 to 15 million tonnes per annum and utilizes advanced technology to convert 93% of residual oils into high-value products. The facility, hailed as a "masterpiece of indigenous engineering," strengthens Andhra Pradesh's role as an energy hub for multiple states. Furthermore, the refinery is pioneering Sustainable Aviation Fuel production, aligning with national decarbonization goals and a waste-to-wealth economy.

Key Points: HPCL Commissions 3.55 MMTPA Residue Upgradation Facility in Visakhapatnam

  • Boosts refinery capacity to 15 MMTPA
  • 93% conversion of bottom-of-barrel oils
  • Rs 31,407 crore investment
  • Advances sustainable aviation fuel production
2 min read

HPCL commissions 3.55 MMTPA Residue Upgradation Facility at Visakhapatnam refinery

HPCL commissions a Rs 31,407 crore Residue Upgradation Facility at Visakh Refinery, boosting capacity to 15 MMTPA and advancing India's energy self-reliance.

"a masterpiece of indigenous engineering - Hardeep Singh Puri"

Visakhapatnam, January 4

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation has commissioned the Residue Upgradation Facility at the Visakh Refinery in Andhra Pradesh.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, in a post on X, said that this critical infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh is a decisive leap toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. The Union minister described the commissioning of the facility as a significant milestone in India's journey toward energy self-reliance.

"The facility at Visakh Refinery is a "masterpiece of indigenous engineering", housing three LC-Max reactors of 2,200 MT each, ranking among the world's heaviest engineering blocks, and all fabricated and assembled within India," the minister said in the post on X.

"With a capacity of 3.55 MMTPA, the RUF utilises advanced residue hydrocracking technology to achieve a 93 per cent conversion of bottom of the barrel oils into high-value products, maximising the utility of every barrel to fuel the nation's rapid ascent!" the minister further wrote.

With an investment of Rs 31,407 crore, HPCL's Visakh Refinery in Andhra Pradesh has raised its processing capacity from 8.33 million tonne per annum to 15 million tonne per annum.

This expansion project at Visakh Refinery has made the east coast state of Andhra Pradesh one of India's energy hubs, strengthening energy needs in Andhra Pradesh and in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Karnataka.

Recently, the Visakh Refinery inaugurated a demonstration plant for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production via co-processing of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) in its Full Conversion Hydrocracker Unit, leveraging existing refinery assets.

As per HPCL's roadmap, following necessary certification, Visakh Refinery will produce 10 TMT of SAF per annum from January 2027, supporting India's commitment to decarbonising aviation and promoting a circular, waste-to-wealth economy.

India's SAF blending mandate is to achieve 1 per cent blending by 2027, 2 per cent by 2028 and 5 per cent by 2030.

India depends on imports for about 80 per cent of its crude oil requirement. The government has taken various steps to increase domestic crude oil production and reduce imports. At present, India is importing oil and gas from as many countries as possible, around 40 countries now, to meet its demand.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel is very forward-thinking. Co-processing used cooking oil is a clever way to promote a circular economy. Hope other refineries follow this model.
R
Rohit P
While the project is impressive, Rs 31,407 crore is a massive investment. I hope the benefits in terms of reduced import bills and energy security truly trickle down to the common man and don't just remain on paper. The proof will be in the petrol price.
P
Priya S
"Masterpiece of indigenous engineering" – this makes me so proud! Fabricating those massive reactors in India itself shows our technical prowess. Jai Hind!
A
Arun Y
Good to see the expansion benefits multiple states like Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh. Energy infrastructure is key for development in these regions. Hope the supply chain strengthens.
K
Karthik V
93% conversion rate is technically brilliant. Getting more high-value products from the same barrel is exactly what we need to reduce our crude import dependence. A solid, practical step.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50