BPCL Invests ₹1400 Crore in SAF Units for Sustainable Aviation

Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) has unveiled plans to establish sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) units at its refineries, aligning with the government’s one percent blending target. The initiative involves an investment of up to Rs 1,400 crore to set up these facilities.

BPCL operates three refineries located in Mumbai, Kochi, and Bina, Madhya Pradesh, with a combined annual refining capacity of 35.3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The new SAF production facilities are designed to meet a five percent blending target by 2030, as specified in a government notification. Initial SAF blending aims for the international sector, targeting a production rate of around 100 tonnes per day.

Last year, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) partnered with LanzaJet to explore large-scale SAF production in India using LanzaJet's alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology. IOCL is set to launch the country’s first commercial-scale SAF plant in Panipat by 2026. Additionally, Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals is developing a 20-klpd SAF plant.

BPCL is focused on maximizing the use of indigenous technologies and is evaluating multiple pathways for SAF production. These include oil-to-jet co-processing at existing facilities, developing new oil-to-jet greenfield facilities, and creating alcohol-to-jet facilities. The choice of pathway will depend on sustainability, logistical feasibility, and economic viability.

The company is committed to adopting the most effective technologies that offer significant carbon life-cycle benefits and promote environmental protection. BPCL is currently in discussions with multiple agencies to determine the best approach, with mature international technologies available to meet the blending mandate within the required timeframe.

News by Rahul Yelligetti