Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) announced launch of a 500 tons per annum (tpa) green hydrogen production unit at its refinery. The green hydrogen will be combined with the existing hydrogen produced at the refinery for internal purposes.
As per India’s green hydrogen policy, green hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy or from biomass. The national green hydrogen mission has identified refineries among the sectors for green hydrogen adoption.
Currently, MRPL supplies its hydrogen needs for hydro-processing units through hydrogen produced by steam methane reforming units. The company aims to produce green hydrogen continuously using renewable energy and water electrolysis. The green hydrogen will be mixed with the hydrogen already produced at the refinery for internal use.
In partnership with CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), MRPL has developed and patented a new Iso Butyl Benzene (IBB) process technology. IBB is a crucial active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used in painkillers and perfumes. The patented process enhances toluene conversion and shows high selectivity for isobutyl benzene production.
As reported by newsonprojects.com, MRPL plans to expand into chemicals, renewable fuels, and other emerging areas. With a growing focus on green fuels, MRPL intends to incorporate bio-ATF and 2G ethanol technologies in the near future.