MRPL to Begin Green Hydrogen Production for Internal Use.

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) announced the establishment of a 500 tonnes per annum (tpa) green hydrogen production unit within its refinery premises.

The company’s annual report for 2023-24 reveals that the green hydrogen generated from this new unit will be blended with the existing hydrogen produced at the refinery for internal use.

As outlined by 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 identifies refineries, among others, for the adoption of green hydrogen.

Currently, MRPL meets its hydrogen needs for hydro-processing units through hydrogen produced by steam methane reforming units.

“MRPL aims to continuously produce green hydrogen using renewable energy and the water electrolysis method. This green hydrogen will be blended with the hydrogen currently produced in the refinery for internal use,” the annual report stated.

In collaboration with CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), MRPL developed Iso Butyl Benzene (IBB) process technology and secured a patent for it. IBB is an active pharmaceutical intermediate (API), essential in painkillers and the perfume industry. MRPL’s patented process maximizes toluene conversion and shows exceptional selectivity towards isobutyl benzene production.

The annual report also highlighted plans to establish a 200 TPA pilot-cum-demo plant for IBB, using captive feedstock available within MRPL. The project’s mechanical completion is expected in the first quarter of 2025-26.

Additionally, MRPL is setting up a marketing terminal in Devangonthi, Bengaluru, to meet the petroleum product needs in Karnataka. The terminal will receive finished petroleum products through the existing PMHBL (Petronet MHB Ltd) pipeline from MRPL, facilitating supply to retail outlets, customers, and aviation stations in the region. The terminal’s construction is nearing completion, with commissioning expected in the second quarter of 2024-25.

The annual report noted that India’s petrochemical consumption, currently below the world average, is rising due to urbanization and a growing middle class.

“MRPL’s refining capacity and complexity boost light and middle distillate production through processing sour and heavy crudes. MRPL is reassessing its business model, asset base, and technology options,” it stated.

MRPL plans to integrate into chemicals, renewable fuels, and other emerging areas, aiming for petrochemical growth over the medium term. With green fuels gaining momentum, MRPL is looking to incorporate bio-ATF and 2G ethanol technologies shortly.

In 2023-24, MRPL procured 16.76 million tonnes (mt) of crude oil, with 12.35 mt imported and 4.41 mt sourced domestically. The refinery processed new crudes, including Siberian Light from Russia and KGD6 and KGD 98/2 from India.

HBL