Topsoe, a global provider of advanced energy transition solutions for clean and conventional fuels and chemicals, signed a technology licensing agreement with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in India. Under the agreement, Topsoe will provide its Kerosene Hydrotreating Technology to enable SAF co-processing at BPCL’s Mumbai Refinery.
BPCL to Upgrade Existing Kerosene Hydrotreater Unit
As part of the project, BPCL will revamp its existing kerosene hydrotreater unit, which has a capacity of 4,000 metric tonnes per day. The upgraded unit will co-process 5% renewable feedstock, derived from used cooking oil, alongside conventional feedstock to produce SAF. By adopting Topsoe’s kerosene hydrotreating technology, BPCL can produce sustainable aviation fuel using its existing refinery infrastructure. Consequently, the company can avoid building a new, dedicated SAF production unit. The project also strengthens the long-standing partnership between Topsoe and BPCL, which spans more than two decades.
Commissioning Expected by the End of 2026
Following the final investment decision, BPCL has already begun work on the refinery upgrade. The company expects to commission the revamped facility by the end of 2026. Once operational, the facility will supply SAF to airlines refuelling international passenger flights at Indian airports. This development will also support India’s efforts to establish a domestic sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem.
Supporting India’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Targets
As per the press release, India is preparing its aviation sector for compliance with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) from 2027. Meanwhile, the country has established SAF blending targets of 1% for international flights by 2027, 2% by 2028 and 5% by 2030. In this context, the BPCL–Topsoe collaboration represents an important step towards increasing domestic SAF production. Furthermore, co-processing renewable feedstocks with conventional fuels offers refiners a practical pathway to introduce sustainable aviation fuel production while utilising existing infrastructure.
Topsoe and BPCL Highlight the Project’s Significance
Alok Verma, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Topsoe, said, “India is an important and growing market for sustainable aviation fuel, and we are pleased to support Bharat Petroleum in taking this step towards increasing its SAF production capacity. This project demonstrates how Topsoe’s technology can provide a practical route for refiners to begin SAF production, without significant modifications to existing infrastructure, while at the same time the co-processing of conventional and renewable feedstocks increases flexibility for fuel producers.”
Sankar M, Executive Director, Mumbai Refinery, BPCL, said, “As India advances its journey towards Net Zero emissions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2040 and accelerates its energy transition, Sustainable Aviation Fuel will play a pivotal role in decarbonising the aviation sector. We are pleased to further strengthen our collaboration with Topsoe, whose proven technology will support BPCL in expanding its SAF production capabilities. This project marks an important step towards building a robust domestic SAF ecosystem, strengthening India’s energy security and enabling a cleaner and more sustainable future for air transport.”
