Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), a subsidiary of ONGC and a Category-I Miniratna CPSE under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, has once again demonstrated its leadership in refining innovation. The company has won the Innovation Award 2024–25 for Best Innovation in Research & Development in Refining Technology at the 28th Energy Technology Meet (ETM 2025). This marks MRPL’s fourth successive win at the prestigious, Government of India–promoted event—reaffirming its reputation as a pioneer of indigenous technological advancement in India’s refining sector.
Recognizing Indigenous Innovation: GOAT Technology
The award recognizes MRPL’s “Gradual Olefins and Aromatic Technology (GOAT)”, an indigenous crude-to-chemicals process developed by the company’s Innovation Centre team. GOAT is a groundbreaking technology that enables the direct conversion of crude oil into high-value petrochemicals, significantly enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon intensity, and promoting sustainable refining.
This breakthrough underscores India’s growing strength in homegrown research and process innovation. It aligns with the nation’s strategic vision for energy transition and self-reliance.
Honoured by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
As reported by daijiworld.com, MRPL has secured four consecutive Innovation Awards. This achievement highlights its consistent focus on excellence in research, technology, and sustainable operations. Receiving the award on behalf of MRPL were Nandakumar V. Pillai (Director – Refinery) and Chief Managers Karthick R and S. Nirmal Ganesh from the company’s Innovation Centre team.
ETM 2025: A Platform for Sustainable Energy Leadership
The 28th Energy Technology Meet (ETM 2025), held from October 28 to 30 at HICC, Hyderabad, carried the theme “Green Energy Horizons: Advancing Sustainable Refining & Energy Innovation.” As India’s flagship downstream and energy technology forum, ETM brings together refiners and petrochemical producers. It also includes technology licensors, equipment manufacturers, and service providers from India and abroad. The platform facilitates knowledge exchange and technology showcasing. It also promotes collaboration on sustainable refining, decarbonisation, and circular economy innovations driving the nation’s energy transformation.
Leadership Remarks
Nandakumar V. Pillai (Director – Refinery, MRPL) said, “MRPL has always been ahead of its time in adopting advanced technologies. I am elated that our Innovation Centre is not only developing but also commercially implementing breakthrough technologies like GOAT — a futuristic and competitive crude-to-chemicals process that many in the industry are still striving to achieve. Our Innovation Centre continues to place MRPL at the forefront of technologies that the nation — and the world — truly need. I wholeheartedly congratulate the Innovation Centre team for securing the Innovation Award from the Government of India for the fourth consecutive year, an achievement that speaks volumes of their dedication and excellence.”
He further added that MRPL’s R&D excellence is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and energy efficiency. It reinforces MRPL’s role as a key contributor to India’s refining and petrochemical advancements.
A Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability
As reported by daijiworld.com, MRPL has won four consecutive Innovation Awards. This reflects its consistent pursuit of excellence in research, technology, and sustainable operations. Through indigenous innovation and cutting-edge R&D, the company continues to drive India’s refining transformation. It supports the nation’s goals for energy security, environmental stewardship, and industrial competitiveness.
