Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, visited the Hindustan Petroleum Green Research & Development Centre (HPGRDC) in Bengaluru. He was welcomed by HPCL Chairman and Managing Director Shri Vikas Kaushal, Director–Refineries Shri S. Bharathan, and Executive Director–Corporate R&D Shri Vipul Kumar Maheshwari.
Minister Appreciates HPCL’s Innovation Hub
The minister appreciated the state-of-the-art research centre, where more than 150 scientists, including 37% women leaders, are driving innovation. He noted that HPGRDC’s work is helping India move toward an Energy Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Inauguration of Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) Pilot Plant
Puri inaugurated the Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) Pilot Plant. The facility converts seaweed into bio-crude and other useful bio-products. The plant marks a major step forward in sustainable bioenergy and strengthens HPCL’s focus on innovation-driven clean energy solutions.
Focus on R&D for a Competitive Energy Future
The minister stressed the need to strengthen research and development across the oil and gas sector. He encouraged HPCL to pursue commercial opportunities in both existing and emerging energy areas. According to him, these efforts will improve India’s global competitiveness in manufacturing. He also praised HPCL’s progress in Green Hydrogen, Biofuels, and Sustainable Technologies, highlighting the role of HPGRDC in supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Advancements in Clean Mobility Technologies
At HPGRDC’s Engine Laboratory, the team showcased a flex-fuel retrofit kit for two-wheelers. This technology helps vehicles operate on higher ethanol blends, supporting India’s ethanol-blending goals and promoting cleaner mobility.
Breakthroughs in Battery and Hydrogen Technologies
HPGRDC also demonstrated significant progress in advanced energy storage. The centre is developing Lithium-ion, Sodium-ion, and Vanadium Redox Flow batteries. Notably, the team has built a 1 kW Lithium-ion battery pack using in-house cells. As per the press release, in addition, HPGRDC completed a 1 MW-equivalent short-stack demonstration of indigenous Alkaline and Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolysers, enabling more cost-effective green hydrogen production.
