In a significant move towards sustainable power sources, OMC Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and the Bhabha Atomic Research (BARC), headquartered in Mumbai, have collaborated to augment the production of green hydrogen. This first-of-its-kind initiative will scale up the alkaline electrolyser technology in India, paving its way towards the goal of renewable energy targets. At present, electrolyser plants are being imported to set up the foundation of the mission.
Developing ‘Alkaline Electrolyser Technology’ in India
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Strengthening India’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the BARC and Bharat Petroleum have dedicated themselves to the task of building a robust infrastructure to generate alternative energy sources here.
“We have been extensively leveraging technology in all our activities,” BPCL Chairman and Managing Director Arun Kumar Singh stated that “today, through collaboration with BARC, we intend to scale up ‘Indigenous Alkaline Electrolyser Technology’ and look forward to commercialising it for large use especially in refineries. This will be another step towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in our journey for achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.”
Traditionally, the hydrogen used by refineries is produced by steam reforming natural gases that result in carbon dioxide emissions and the large quantity requirement aggravates the overall greenhouse effect. Green hydrogen, on the other hand, can be made with large electrolysers and water, decarbonising the production process. As such, the refineries are now setting up industrial-scale electrolysers to cut down on the carbon footprints.
Reportedly, Bharat Petroleum has plans to broaden its portfolio of renewable energy with solar, wind and biofuels, as well. The company aims to meet power requirements for upcoming projects in its refineries, pointedly from renewable sources.
