CPCL Announces Plans for Desalination Plant at Nagapattinam Refinery Project

Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (CPCL) is planning to build a large desalination plant as part of its upcoming mega refinery project in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. The plant will have a capacity of approximately 60 million liters per day (MLD) to support the new 9-million tonnes per annum (MTPA) refinery at the Cauvery Basin, according to CPCL Managing Director H Shankar.

The refinery project, developed through a joint venture with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), has a total estimated cost of ₹36,354 crore. CPCL’s equity contribution will be around ₹3,030 crore for its 25% stake. Shankar noted that the project is awaiting final government approvals, which are critical for securing funding.

CPCL has a longstanding commitment to reducing freshwater consumption, aiming to become a zero freshwater consumer. The company has implemented several measures since 1991, including sewage reclamation, tertiary treatment plants, and desalination facilities.

CPCL currently operates a 5.8 MGD desalination plant in Kattupalli, which supplies water to its refinery operations. The plant is powered by renewable energy from a 17.6-MW wind farm in Dindigul, supporting CPCL’s efforts to ensure environmentally sustainable operations. "The only freshwater we use is for potable needs like drinking and washing," Shankar added.

HBL