Mumbai: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has partnered with global technology provider Topsoe to strengthen its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production capabilities in India. Under the licensing agreement, Topsoe will provide its kerosene hydrotreating technology to support the co-processing of renewable feedstock for SAF production at BPCL’s Mumbai Refinery.
As part of the project, BPCL will revamp its existing 4,000 metric tonnes per day (MTPD) Kerosene Hydrotreater Unit to process 5% renewable feedstock, in the form of used cooking oil, alongside conventional feedstock.
The project will allow BPCL to produce sustainable aviation fuel using its existing refinery infrastructure, eliminating the need to establish a separate, dedicated SAF production unit.
BPCL to Revamp Existing Kerosene Hydrotreater Unit for SAF Production
The project involves upgrading BPCL’s existing Kerosene Hydrotreater Unit at its Mumbai Refinery to enable the co-processing of conventional and renewable feedstocks. By using Topsoe’s kerosene hydrotreating technology, the refinery will be able to process used cooking oil alongside conventional feedstock and produce SAF within its existing infrastructure.
The facility revamp has already begun following the achievement of the final investment decision (FID). Commissioning is expected by the end of 2026. The agreement also builds on the more than two-decade-long relationship between Topsoe and BPCL, further strengthening their collaboration in the energy transition and sustainable fuel production.
Read also: BPCL’s MAK Lubricants Partners with Germany’s LANXESS to Develop Advanced Industrial Lubricants
BPCL’s SAF Production to Support India’s Aviation Decarbonisation Goals
The sustainable aviation fuel produced at BPCL’s Mumbai Refinery will be supplied to airlines refuelling international passenger flights at Indian airports.
The initiative comes as India works towards developing its domestic SAF ecosystem ahead of mandatory compliance with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in 2027.
SAF is expected to play an important role in reducing emissions from the aviation sector. BPCL’s project will contribute to expanding domestic production capabilities and supporting the availability of sustainable fuels for international aviation operations.
Topsoe and BPCL Highlight Importance of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Alok Verma, Managing Director, Asia Pacific at Topsoe, said India is an important and growing market for sustainable aviation fuel. He expressed the company’s commitment to supporting BPCL in expanding its SAF production capacity.
Verma highlighted that Topsoe’s technology offers refiners a practical route to begin SAF production without requiring significant modifications to existing infrastructure. He also noted that co-processing conventional and renewable feedstocks provides greater flexibility to fuel producers. Sankar M, Executive Director, Mumbai Refinery, BPCL, said sustainable aviation fuel will play a significant role in decarbonising the aviation sector as India advances towards its net-zero emissions targets for Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2040.
He said BPCL’s collaboration with Topsoe will help expand its SAF production capabilities and support the development of a robust domestic SAF ecosystem. The initiative is also expected to contribute to India’s energy security and enable cleaner and more sustainable air transport.
Key Details of BPCL’s SAF Production Project
- Companies Involved: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Topsoe
- Project Location: BPCL Mumbai Refinery
- Technology Provider: Topsoe
- Technology: Kerosene Hydrotreating Technology
- Existing Unit Capacity: 4,000 metric tonnes per day
- Renewable Feedstock: Used cooking oil
- Renewable Feedstock Share: 5%
- Project Status: Facility revamp underway following final investment decision
- Expected Commissioning: By the end of 2026
- SAF Supply: Airlines refuelling international passenger flights at Indian airports
- Regulatory Milestone: India’s preparation for CORSIA compliance in 2027
About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is a Government of India-owned Maharatna public sector undertaking operating in the oil and gas sector. The company is engaged in refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, LPG, aviation turbine fuel and other energy products. BPCL operates major refineries in Mumbai, Kochi and Bina and is expanding its focus on cleaner energy and sustainable fuel solutions.
Read also: BPCL Launches SPEED 100 Premium 100-Octane Petrol in Indore, Plans Expansion to Six More Outlets
