Indian Oil Corporation's Panipat Refinery Upgrades for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production
Key Ideas
- Indian Oil Corporation plans to upgrade its Panipat refinery to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by shutting down the diesel desulphurisation unit.
- The refinery's upgrade will enable the production of SAF from used cooking oil (UCO) and aim to blend 1% SAF into aviation fuel by 2027, increasing to 2% by 2028.
- In addition to the SAF project, Indian Oil is investing in a green hydrogen plant with a capacity of 70,000 tonnes per year, aiming to meet 50% of their hydrogen demand through green hydrogen by 2030.
- The contract for building a 10,000-tonnes-per-year green hydrogen facility at the Panipat refinery has been awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to supply green hydrogen at a competitive price of ₹397 per kilogram.
Indian Oil Corporation is set to upgrade its Panipat refinery in India to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by repurposing a diesel desulphurisation unit. The upgrade, expected to be completed by early 2025, will allow the refinery to process used cooking oil (UCO) and produce approximately 30,000 metric tonnes of SAF annually. This initiative aligns with India's goal to blend 1% SAF into aviation fuel by 2027, rising to 2% by 2028. Despite the unit shutdown, diesel production will continue as the site has additional hydrotreaters. Indian Oil is also exploring modifications in kerosene units across other refineries to support SAF production. Furthermore, the company is venturing into green hydrogen production, planning a 70,000-tonnes-per-year plant and awarding a contract to L&T for a 10,000-tonnes-per-year green hydrogen facility. This move towards green hydrogen aims to meet 50% of their hydrogen needs through sustainable means by 2030, showcasing Indian Oil Corporation's commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
Topics
India
Green Hydrogen
Renewable Energy
Aviation Industry
Environmental Goals
Sustainable Fuel
Oil Refinery
Contract Award
Refinery Upgrades
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