HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) has teamed up with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur to carry out joint work in developing new technologies and solutions in the energy space. The two organizations have signed an agreement that sets the stage for working together on real-world challenges — from cleaner energy technologies and smarter processes to new materials and intelligent energy systems.
Both HMEL and IIT Kanpur aim to combine their strengths to move ideas from the lab into practical use, where they can make a real difference. HMEL, a partnership between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Mittal Energy Investment (Singapore), runs a major oil refinery and petrochemical facility in Bhatinda, Punjab, with an annual capacity of 11.3 million tonnes.
“This is a big step forward in our efforts to bring innovation into how we produce and use energy,” said Prabh Das, Managing Director and CEO of HMEL. “Working with a leading institute like IIT Kanpur gives us the chance to shape technologies that are not only efficient but also better for the environment.”
Research and development play a key role in HMEL’s long-term plans. The company has been granted several patents and says it sees more of its research put into actual use than other firms in the sector. This new agreement underlines the shared goal of both HMEL and IIT Kanpur: to develop practical solutions that support the future of energy and strengthen India’s position in technology and industrial growth.
HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) is a prominent Indian integrated refining and petrochemical company, established in 2007 as a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Mittal Energy Investments Pte Ltd (MEIL), a part of the Lakshmi N. Mittal Group. Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, HMEL operates the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery (GGSR) in Bathinda, Punjab, with a refining capacity of 11.3 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).
The refinery produces a range of high-value petroleum products, including Bharat Stage-VI compliant motor spirit, high-speed diesel, aviation turbine fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and mineral turpentine oil. Additionally, HMEL has expanded into petrochemicals, operating a dual-feed cracker unit capable of producing 1.2 million tonnes per annum of polyethylene and 1 million tonnes per annum of polypropylene.
To support its operations, HMEL owns and operates a 1,017 km cross-country crude oil pipeline from Mundra, Gujarat, to Bathinda, along with a 1,020,000 kilolitre crude oil terminal and a single point mooring (SPM) facility for crude oil receipt. In line with India’s energy transition goals, HMEL has partnered with NTPC Green Energy Ltd. to source 250 MW of round-the-clock renewable energy and explore opportunities in green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as green ammonia and green methanol.
Recognized for its commitment to sustainability, HMEL has undertaken initiatives like constructing a 100,000 tonnes per annum bio-ethanol plant at its Bathinda refinery to reduce carbon emissions. The company has also been acknowledged for its corporate social responsibility efforts, including providing essential medical supplies and support during the COVID-19 pandemic
