Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) is setting up a 500 tonnes per year green hydrogen production unit within its refinery. The green hydrogen will be mixed with the hydrogen currently produced at the refinery for internal use.
Green hydrogen is made by using renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This initiative is part of India’s Green Hydrogen Policy and National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to adopt green hydrogen in various industries, including refineries.
MRPL’s current hydrogen needs are met by steam methane reforming units. The new green hydrogen will be produced continuously using renewable energy and water electrolysis.
Iso Butyl Benzene (IBB) Plant
MRPL, in collaboration with CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, has developed a process to produce Iso Butyl Benzene (IBB), a key ingredient in painkillers and perfumes. They have patented this process, which optimizes the conversion of toluene to IBB. A pilot plant with a 200 TPA capacity is planned and expected to be operational in early 2025-26.
New Marketing Terminal
MRPL is building a marketing terminal at Devangonthi in Bengaluru to distribute petroleum products mainly in Karnataka. The terminal will receive products through an existing pipeline and supply them to retail outlets, customers, and aviation stations. The terminal is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2024-25.
Growth Opportunities
The annual report highlights increasing petrochemical consumption in India due to urbanization and a growing middle class. MRPL plans to enhance its refining capacity and focus on producing light and middle distillates from sour and heavy crudes. The company is also looking at integrating into chemicals, renewable fuels, and other emerging areas.
Crude Oil Procurement
MRPL procured 16.76 million tonnes of crude oil in 2023-24, with 12.35 million tonnes imported and 4.41 million tonnes sourced domestically. The refinery processed new types of crude, including Siberian Light from Russia and KGD6 and KGD 98/2 from India.
