The companies will evaluate installation of a demonstration-scale unit to produce green transportation fuels at an existing IOCL site using non-food feedstocks available within India. IOCL and UOP will also evaluate the viability of pyrolysis oil technology to convert lignocellulosic materials, or plant biomass, into renewable power and heat.
IOCL is also expected to focus on research and development for the production of algal oil for use as a feedstock in the green fuels production.
Jennifer Holmgren, vice president and general manager of UOP’s renewable energy and chemicals business unit, said: “This collaboration is focused on the development of viable and sustainable green fuels that will enable reduced greenhouse gas emissions in India. We are honored to work with IOCL to support this initiative and movement toward a reduced carbon footprint in India.”
Anand Kumar, director of research and development at IOCL, said: “We have to reduce the carbon footprint of our business operations at least by 25% from the present level. It is not only our moral responsibility, but also necessary for sustaining the growth of our business.
“Green operation will allow us to reduce costs by reducing the energy intensity of our operations and thereby becoming cost competitive. It also helps us produce more from the same or even less inputs. We are looking forward to working with UOP to bring together our respective areas of expertise and achieve these goals.”
