Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has partnered with global technology provider Topsoe to expand its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production capabilities in India. Under the licensing agreement, Topsoe will provide its kerosene hydrotreating technology to enable the co-processing of renewable feedstock at BPCL’s Mumbai Refinery. As part of the project, BPCL will revamp its existing 4,000 metric tonnes per day (MTPD) Kerosene Hydrotreater Unit to process 5% renewable feedstock, primarily used cooking oil, alongside conventional feedstock. This initiative will enable the company to produce SAF using its existing refinery infrastructure without setting up a separate, dedicated production facility.
BPCL to Upgrade Existing Kerosene Hydrotreater Unit
The project involves upgrading BPCL’s existing Kerosene Hydrotreater Unit at its Mumbai Refinery to accommodate renewable feedstock. By adopting Topsoe’s kerosene hydrotreating technology, the refinery will be able to co-process used cooking oil with conventional feedstock and produce sustainable aviation fuel. Furthermore, this approach allows BPCL to leverage its existing refining infrastructure, reducing the need for a completely new SAF production unit. It also provides a practical and flexible pathway to expand renewable fuel production while maintaining conventional refining operations.
SAF Production Targeted for Commissioning by End of 2026
BPCL has already commenced the refinery revamp following the achievement of the final investment decision (FID). The company expects to commission the upgraded facility by the end of 2026. The agreement also builds on the more than two-decade-long relationship between BPCL and Topsoe. Through this collaboration, both companies aim to strengthen their partnership in sustainable fuel production and support India’s ongoing energy transition. Alok Verma, Managing Director, Asia Pacific at Topsoe, said India represents an important and growing market for sustainable aviation fuel. He reaffirmed Topsoe’s commitment to supporting BPCL in expanding its SAF production capabilities. Verma also highlighted that Topsoe’s technology offers refiners a practical route to begin SAF production without requiring significant modifications to their existing infrastructure. In addition, co-processing conventional and renewable feedstocks provides fuel producers with greater operational flexibility.
Collaboration to Support India’s Aviation Decarbonisation Goals
Sankar M, Executive Director, Mumbai Refinery, BPCL, said sustainable aviation fuel will play a significant role in decarbonising the aviation sector as India progresses towards its Scope 1 and Scope 2 net-zero emissions targets for 2040. He added that BPCL’s collaboration with Topsoe will help expand domestic SAF production capabilities and support the development of a robust sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem in India. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, the initiative is expected to strengthen India’s energy security, accelerate the adoption of renewable fuels and support cleaner, more sustainable air transport.
