DCM Shriram has achieved a significant operational milestone at its compressed biogas (CBG) facility in Ajbapur, Uttar Pradesh. The plant has produced 5,000 metric tonnes (MT) of high-purity compressed biogas over 500 consecutive days of uninterrupted operation. During this period, the facility also recorded zero lost-time injuries (LTI), demonstrating its commitment to workplace safety, operational reliability and efficient plant management. Praj Industries supplied its proprietary rengas® technology for the facility. The technology integrates specialised reactors, gas treatment and purification systems to improve plant uptime, biomethane yield and overall operational efficiency.

Praj’s rengas Technology Supports Continuous CBG Production

The Ajbapur facility uses Praj’s rengas® technology to process organic feedstocks and produce high-purity biomethane. Its integrated process combines specialised biological treatment, gas cleaning and purification technologies to ensure consistent production. A key component is the Horizontal Mixed Flow Reactor (HMFR), which promotes microbial degradation through uniform mixing. It also enables the plant to process complex organic feedstocks efficiently during biogas production. Furthermore, the facility incorporates an Ion Chelate System to remove hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) from the gas stream. This process protects downstream equipment from corrosion and helps minimise operational disruptions.

Advanced Gas Purification Ensures Over 96% Biomethane Purity

The plant also uses a chilled water scrubber system to remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the gas stream and improve biomethane quality. According to Praj Industries, the system maintains biomethane purity above 96%. Together, these technologies help the facility maintain consistent gas quality, improve process efficiency and support continuous plant operations. The achievement of 5,000 MT of CBG production over 500 consecutive operating days highlights the importance of reliable process technology, effective gas purification and robust plant management in commercial-scale biogas production.

CBG Technology Supports India’s Renewable Energy Transition

Compressed biogas facilities convert organic waste into biomethane, providing an alternative fuel for transportation and industrial applications. In addition, these projects create opportunities to recover valuable energy from agricultural residues and other biodegradable waste streams.

Praj Industries offers technology solutions for organisations developing new CBG facilities as well as those seeking to improve existing organic waste processing operations. Its solutions focus on enhancing plant performance, operational efficiency and process reliability while maintaining high safety standards.

As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the performance of DCM Shriram’s Ajbapur facility further demonstrates the potential of compressed biogas technology in India’s renewable energy sector. It also highlights how advanced process engineering, efficient gas purification and reliable equipment can support the commercial-scale production of renewable fuels.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with eFuels Rotterdam B.V. (Power2X) to strengthen India’s position in the global green hydrogen market and promote international trade in renewable fuels. The agreement aims to facilitate the supply and offtake of Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO)-compliant green molecules from India to international markets. Furthermore, the partnership seeks to develop reliable supply chains and establish scalable export opportunities for green energy products, particularly in Europe and other global markets.

SECI and Power2X to Strengthen Green Hydrogen Trade

Through this collaboration, SECI and Power2X will work towards advancing the international trade of green hydrogen and other renewable fuel products. The partnership will focus on creating opportunities for Indian green energy producers to supply RFNBO-compliant green molecules to overseas buyers.

Partnership to Support Renewable Fuel Exports to Europe

The MoU is expected to support the development of robust supply chains and establish scalable pathways for exporting renewable fuels from India to Europe and other international destinations. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, in addition, the collaboration aims to strengthen India’s participation in the emerging global green hydrogen economy, expand international market access for domestic producers and support the growth of cross-border renewable energy trade.

Birla Carbon, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon materials, will showcase its latest innovations for the coatings and inks industry at CHINACOAT 2026. Birla Carbon will present a comprehensive portfolio of solutions designed to help coatings and ink manufacturers address evolving performance, sustainability and regulatory requirements. The showcase will feature its Raven™ carbon black solutions, which support improved dispersion, pigment stabilisation, wetting and viscosity control across various applications.

Birla Carbon Strengthens Regional Supply and Technical Support

Birla Carbon is expanding its post-treatment capabilities across Asia to improve product availability and strengthen regional supply networks. By bringing post-treatment operations closer to customers, the company aims to shorten lead times, improve supply reliability and provide faster technical support. These enhanced local capabilities will also enable closer customer collaboration, helping manufacturers respond more effectively to changing formulation requirements and market demands.

Shashank Awasthi, President, Specialty Materials, Birla Carbon, said, “As coatings and ink manufacturers continue to navigate increasing performance expectations alongside sustainability and compliance requirements, material innovation remains a critical enabler.”

He added that the company’s solutions help customers address formulation challenges, improve operational efficiency and achieve consistent product quality. Furthermore, its enhanced local post-treatment capabilities and regional supply networks will provide customers with better product availability and responsive technical support.

Raven Carbon Blacks Address Diverse Coatings Applications

A key highlight at CHINACOAT 2026 will be Birla Carbon’s Raven carbon black portfolio for coatings applications. The company will showcase universal solutions that deliver high levels of jetness across water-based, solvent-based and powder coating systems. In addition, its powder coatings portfolio features products engineered to deliver excellent dispersibility, UV stability and colour performance. Birla Carbon will also present next-generation blue-tone carbon black solutions designed to enhance tinting performance.

High-Purity Carbon Blacks for Packaging and Printing Inks

For packaging and printing applications, Birla Carbon will showcase high-purity carbon black products suitable for food-contact and high-performance packaging inks. These solutions will help manufacturers meet stringent quality and regulatory requirements while maintaining the performance and consistency of their formulations. Birla Carbon will also highlight its Continua™ SCM portfolio of sustainable carbonaceous materials. These solutions aim to help customers reduce emissions while maintaining product consistency and purity. The portfolio supports compliance with important industry and regulatory requirements, including the Global Automotive Declarable Substance List (GADSL) and REACH regulations.

Conductive Solutions for Automotive and Industrial Coatings

The company will present solutions for industrial and automotive cathodic electro-deposition (CED) coatings, including Conductex™ conductive carbon blacks and Nanocyl™ carbon nanotubes (CNTs). These materials support electrostatic coatings and conductive primers in water-based and solvent-based systems. They also help improve adhesion between electrocoat layers and basecoats on plastic substrates, addressing important performance requirements in automotive and industrial applications. As per the press release, through its participation at CHINACOAT 2026, Birla Carbon aims to demonstrate how its advanced carbon materials, sustainable solutions and strengthened regional supply capabilities can help coatings and ink manufacturers improve product performance and operational efficiency.

Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, to develop a continuous process for producing formic acid from carbon dioxide (CO₂). Signed on October 6, 2026, the agreement focuses on converting captured CO₂ into formic acid through catalytic hydrogenation. The collaboration aims to advance carbon utilisation technologies, promote sustainable chemical production and strengthen NRL’s decarbonisation initiatives. It also aligns with the refinery’s commitment to achieving its Net Zero target by 2038.

NRL and CSIR-IICT to Develop CO₂-Based Formic Acid Production Process

Under the agreement, NRL and CSIR-IICT will jointly develop a continuous catalytic process that converts captured carbon dioxide into formic acid through hydrogenation. The proposed technology will utilise CO₂ as a feedstock to produce a value-added chemical, creating opportunities for more sustainable industrial processes. Furthermore, the initiative will explore innovative ways to utilise captured carbon dioxide rather than treating it solely as an industrial emission. This approach supports circular carbon management while advancing technologies that can reduce the environmental impact of chemical production.

Collaboration Supports NRL’s Net Zero Target by 2038

The partnership marks another step in NRL’s efforts to strengthen its decarbonisation strategy and reduce its carbon footprint. By developing technologies that convert captured CO₂ into useful chemical products, the refinery aims to promote resource efficiency and support the transition towards a low-carbon industrial ecosystem. In addition, the initiative aligns with NRL’s long-term sustainability objectives, particularly its commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2038.

Advancing Carbon Utilisation and Sustainable Chemical Technologies

The collaboration between NRL and CSIR-IICT highlights the growing role of research and technological innovation in the refining and chemical industries. The development of continuous catalytic processes could help advance carbon utilisation technologies and create new pathways for sustainable chemical manufacturing. Moreover, converting captured CO₂ into formic acid demonstrates the potential to transform industrial carbon emissions into valuable chemical resources. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, through the initiative, NRL aims to strengthen its focus on technological innovation, environmental sustainability and the development of a low-carbon refinery ecosystem.

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.

Nayara Energy commissioned its Vacuum Gasoil Mild Hydrocracker (VGO-MHC) Revamp Project at its Vadinar refinery in Gujarat. The upgrade enables the refinery to produce diesel that consistently meets Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards across its entire diesel output. With this development, Nayara Energy aims to strengthen its cleaner fuel production capabilities while supporting India’s growing energy demand. The project also enhances operational reliability, improves processing efficiency and increases the refinery’s flexibility.

VGO-MHC Revamp Extends Operating Cycle by Over 150%

The revamped VGO-MHC unit will operate for more than 150% longer between planned shutdowns. Consequently, the extended operating cycle will help Nayara Energy maintain production continuity and ensure a more reliable fuel supply. In addition, the upgrade improves processing efficiency and enables the refinery to handle different crude grades with greater flexibility. Following the revamp, the refinery’s Nelson Complexity Index has increased to 12.6. This industry benchmark measures a refinery’s ability to convert crude oil into higher-value petroleum products through advanced processing technologies.

1,435-Tonne Reactor Installed at Vadinar Refinery

Nayara Energy executed the project despite challenging global conditions by adopting a more self-reliant approach. A key component of the revamp involved installing a 1,435-tonne reactor within the operating refinery. The successful installation highlights the company’s engineering capabilities and its ability to execute complex refinery modernisation projects safely at scale.

Sergey Denisov, Chief Development Officer at Nayara Energy, said, “Despite a challenging global environment, the project was successfully commissioned through a more self-reliant execution approach. This included the installation of a 1,435-ton reactor in a live refinery environment, underscoring Nayara Energy’s ability to safely execute complex refinery upgrades at scale.”

Investment Strengthens India’s Fuel Supply Capabilities

The VGO-MHC revamp forms part of Nayara Energy’s broader investment programme to strengthen its refining infrastructure and support India’s growing energy requirements. Furthermore, the company’s continued investments aim to enhance domestic energy self-sufficiency, ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies and contribute to India’s long-term economic growth. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the commissioning also highlights the importance of refinery modernisation in improving fuel quality, increasing operational efficiency and strengthening the reliability of India’s petroleum supply chain.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, one of the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the top 10 silver producers globally, has signed eleven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with industry partners to develop its proposed Zinc Industrial Park at Khankhala in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district. Signed during ZnAL Confluence 2026 in Jaipur, the agreements mark a significant step towards establishing a dedicated manufacturing hub for zinc-based products and downstream industries. The initiative aims to promote domestic manufacturing, expand zinc applications and strengthen India’s downstream zinc value chain.

Eleven Industry Partners Sign MoUs with Hindustan Zinc

Hindustan Zinc has signed the latest agreements with the following companies:

Gainwell Commosales Private Limited

Epiroc Mining India Private Limited

Sai Deepa Rock Drills Pvt. Ltd.

Shree Nakoda Infrasteel Pvt. Ltd.

Suryakiran Earthmovers Pvt. Ltd.

J.G. Chemicals Limited

EPCM Service & Supply Pvt. Ltd.

Jasta Alloys Private Limited

Jammu Pigments

Ampex Energies Pvt. Ltd.

The MoUs cover proposed manufacturing, engineering and service operations associated with zinc and related industrial value chains. These agreements add to the earlier MoUs signed with Tripura Group, CMR Green Technologies Ltd., Group Nirmal and Sulfozyme Agro India Pvt. Ltd. The expanding list of partners reflects growing industry interest in establishing manufacturing facilities and supporting operations within the proposed industrial ecosystem.

Zinc Industrial Park to Promote Downstream Manufacturing

Hindustan Zinc is developing the industrial park in collaboration with the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO), which will support the development of industrial infrastructure. The project aims to attract manufacturers and technology-driven businesses by providing developed industrial land, access to an earmarked share of Hindustan Zinc’s metal production, and support from the company’s Centre of Excellence and research and development facilities. These resources will enable participating companies to develop new products, improve manufacturing processes and explore innovative zinc alloys and applications.

Investment Opportunities for MSMEs

The proposed Zinc Industrial Park will also encourage participation from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with investment opportunities starting at ₹5 crore. The approach is expected to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and manufacturing businesses to enter the downstream zinc value chain. Furthermore, access to raw materials, technical expertise and industrial infrastructure could help smaller companies develop specialised products and expand their operations.

Focus on Galvanising, Zinc Alloys and Advanced Applications

Strategically located near Hindustan Zinc’s operations at Chanderiya, Dariba and Debari, the industrial park is expected to attract investments across several downstream manufacturing segments, including:

Zinc galvanising

Zinc die-casting

Zinc alloys

Zinc oxide manufacturing

Zinc wire manufacturing

Advanced zinc applications

By attracting investments across these segments, the project aims to increase domestic zinc consumption, encourage value addition and support the development of specialised manufacturing capabilities in India.

Hindustan Zinc’s Vision for a Globally Competitive Zinc Ecosystem

Amarendu Prakash, CEO and Whole-time Director of Hindustan Zinc, said the Zinc Industrial Park reflects the company’s long-term vision of building a globally competitive downstream ecosystem for zinc-based industries in India. He highlighted that growing participation from manufacturing, engineering and service companies demonstrates the potential of the initiative. Through ecosystem support, renewable energy integration and industry collaborations, Hindustan Zinc aims to encourage MSME growth, generate local employment and strengthen domestic manufacturing. The company first announced the Zinc Industrial Park at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit in December 2024 by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal.

Supporting Rajasthan’s Industrial and Economic Growth

The proposed Zinc Industrial Park is expected to attract investments, generate employment and strengthen Rajasthan’s industrial ecosystem. In addition, the development could create new opportunities for downstream manufacturers, engineering companies and technology providers. As reported by themachinemaker.com, Hindustan Zinc will continue engaging with prospective investors and develop the industrial park in phases. As more companies join the initiative, the project aims to establish a stronger domestic manufacturing ecosystem and unlock new applications for zinc across India’s industrial sectors.

GAIL Mangalore Petrochemicals Limited (GMPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of GAIL (India) Limited, commissioned a 1.25 million tons per annum (MTPA) Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) manufacturing plant at the Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) in Karnataka. The commissioning marks a significant milestone in GAIL’s efforts to expand its presence in the downstream petrochemical sector and strengthen India’s domestic PTA production capacity.

GAIL Completes Revival of Acquired PTA Facility

The facility was originally established by JBF Petrochemicals Limited (JBPL). GAIL acquired the plant in 2023 through the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP), following the National Company Law Tribunal’s (NCLT) approval of its resolution plan. Since the acquisition, GAIL has undertaken extensive revival and refurbishment activities to address engineering, technological and operational challenges. The successful commissioning reflects the company’s efforts to restore the industrial asset and bring it back into operation. Furthermore, the achievement highlights the coordinated efforts of GMPL’s team, technology partners, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders involved in the plant’s revival.

1.25 MTPA Capacity to Strengthen Domestic PTA Supply

PTA serves as a key raw material for manufacturing polyester fibre, polyester yarn, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin and other polyester-based products. These materials have extensive applications across the textile, apparel and packaging industries. With an installed production capacity of 1.25 MTPA, the new facility is expected to make a substantial contribution to India’s domestic PTA manufacturing capabilities. In addition, increased domestic production could improve the availability of this critical raw material, reduce import dependence and support the expansion of India’s downstream polyester industry.

Strategic Location and Marketing Under G-Tex Brand

The plant’s location near New Mangalore Port provides logistical advantages for the movement of raw materials and finished products. Moreover, dedicated logistics infrastructure is expected to support efficient supply chain operations. GAIL plans to market the PTA produced at the facility under its ‘G-Tex’ brand, leveraging its established marketing network and customer relationships to strengthen market reach.

Supporting GAIL’s Downstream Petrochemical Growth

The commissioning of the Mangalore PTA plant represents an important step in GAIL’s downstream petrochemical expansion strategy. By reviving the acquired facility and adding significant domestic production capacity, the company aims to strengthen its position in the petrochemical market. The development could also benefit India’s textile, apparel and packaging industries by improving access to domestically manufactured PTA. As reported by taxguru.in, the facility is expected to support industrial growth, strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on imported petrochemical raw materials.

The government approved Capex Support Scheme to Promote Critical Mineral Processing, with a financial outlay of ₹2,814 crore over five years. The scheme aims to strengthen India’s domestic processing capabilities for critical minerals, particularly lithium and nickel, while reducing import dependence and building resilient supply chains.

Strengthening India’s Critical Mineral Supply Chains

The global processing of critical minerals remains concentrated in a limited number of countries. Consequently, supply chains face risks from geopolitical disruptions, price volatility and potential export restrictions. These challenges can affect national security, economic sovereignty and the timely achievement of decarbonisation targets.

Currently, India relies substantially on imports for refined intermediates and high-purity critical mineral materials. This dependence reflects the early stage of domestic beneficiation and processing infrastructure for minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt.

Moreover, establishing commercial-scale processing facilities involves significant capital investment, access to suitable technologies and reliable raw material supplies. Therefore, developing domestic processing infrastructure is essential to increase value addition, substitute imports and establish integrated, resilient supply chains.

Scheme to Promote Domestic Lithium and Nickel Processing

Against this backdrop, the government has introduced the Capex Support Scheme to encourage investment in domestic critical mineral processing facilities. The scheme will support the establishment and operationalisation of processing plants in India, focusing on converting lithium and nickel ores and intermediate products into high-purity compounds. It will also facilitate the recovery of cobalt as a by-product of nickel production.

These initiatives will strengthen domestic value addition and support critical industries, including:

Electric mobility and battery manufacturing

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Electronics manufacturing

Defence and aerospace

Speciality steel

₹2,814 Crore Financial Outlay and Capital Subsidies

The government will implement the scheme over five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, with a total financial allocation of ₹2,814 crore. Under the scheme, eligible investors will receive a capital subsidy covering 30% of their eligible investment. The government plans to support the establishment of four critical mineral processing plants. The proposed facilities will expand India’s capacity to process critical minerals and produce high-purity materials for domestic industrial applications.

Two-Stage Selection and Milestone-Based Incentives

The government will select beneficiaries through a two-stage evaluation process. First, authorities will assess applications against technical qualification criteria. Only applicants meeting these requirements will proceed to the second stage, which involves financial bidding. For each mineral, the government will select two beneficiaries based on the least-cost criterion. Accordingly, bidders seeking the lowest capital expenditure support under the scheme will receive preference. Furthermore, the government will disburse incentives in three instalments linked to the achievement of specified project milestones. This approach will connect financial assistance with project implementation and operational progress.

Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and Industrial Growth

The Capex Support Scheme represents a step towards advancing the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. By encouraging domestic investment in critical mineral processing, it aims to strengthen India’s position across the critical mineral value chain. In addition, the development of indigenous processing facilities will help reduce import dependence, improve supply chain resilience and support the growing demand for high-purity materials from electric mobility, energy storage, electronics, defence and other strategic industries. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the scheme seeks to establish a stronger domestic foundation for critical mineral processing while supporting India’s long-term manufacturing, energy transition and economic security objectives.

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is preparing to launch an underground coal gasification (UCG) pilot project in Andhra Pradesh’s Eluru district in January 2027. The company aims to complete the pilot by mid-2028 and plans to develop the project in three phases. The initiative could also support RIL’s broader strategy to establish new energy and industrial hubs along India’s eastern coast.

Exploration to Begin in Chintalapudi

The project will utilise coal resources from the Chintalapudi and Recherla blocks. RIL will initially begin exploration in Chintalapudi, followed by activities in Recherla. However, the company will phase development across the two blocks rather than start operations simultaneously.

Underground coal gasification converts coal into synthetic gas within underground coal seams, eliminating the need for conventional surface mining during the gasification process. For this project, RIL plans to deploy Controlled Retracting Injection Point (CRIP) technology. The company is working on arrangements to connect the project to the electricity grid and establish the supporting infrastructure required for the pilot.

₹3,000 Crore Investment for Pilot Phase

RIL expects to invest up to ₹3,000 crore in the initial exploration and pilot phase. The company intends to conduct exploration and pilot activities simultaneously, targeting completion by mid-2028. RIL will prepare a fresh investment proposal if the pilot demonstrates encouraging technical results and commercial viability. The subsequent investment will depend on the project’s performance and its potential for large-scale deployment.

RIL Secures Two Coal Blocks

The project follows the Ministry of Coal’s commercial mine bidding rounds and the execution of production and development agreements in April 2026. These agreements covered four coal mines awarded under the 14th round of commercial coal auctions. Notably, the auction included India’s first tranche of commercial coal mines with provisions for underground coal gasification. RIL secured the Recherla and Chintalapudi Sector A1 coal mines, providing the resource base for its proposed gasification initiative.

Desalination and Power Infrastructure Plans

The project will require substantial water and electricity supplies. To meet its water requirements without increasing pressure on local freshwater resources, RIL plans to establish a desalination plant at Machilipatnam in Krishna district. During the pilot phase, the company will procure electricity from the state grid. However, if the project progresses to full-scale commercial production, RIL plans to establish a dedicated captive power plant to meet its energy requirements.

Commercial Viability to Determine Expansion

The synthetic gas produced during the pilot does not yet have a final pricing structure. According to sources cited in the BusinessLine report, RIL prefers a highly competitive pricing model. However, the final commercial terms will depend on the pilot’s performance and the requirements of subsequent operations.

Part of RIL’s Eastern Coast Energy Strategy

The initiative builds on RIL’s existing experience in oil and gas exploration and coalbed methane production, extending its activities into underground coal gasification. The company also operates a major refinery and petrochemical complex at Jamnagar on India’s western coast.

The Andhra Pradesh project forms part of a broader internal strategy to develop new energy and industrial hubs along the eastern coast. The immediate priorities include commencing exploration at Chintalapudi, advancing pilot operations and evaluating the technology’s commercial potential. As reported by urbanacres.in, the pilot’s technical and economic performance will determine RIL’s next investment decision and the project’s transition towards full-scale production.