New Delhi: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, visited the Hindustan Petroleum Green Research & Development Centre (HPGRDC) in Bengaluru to review cutting-edge innovations in clean energy. The centre, which houses over 150 scientists—37% of whom are women leaders—showcases indigenous technologies aimed at accelerating India’s transition toward sustainable and self-reliant energy solutions.
Praising Indigenous Research and Innovation
Puri lauded the contributions of HPCL’s research teams and emphasized their role in advancing the government’s vision of an Energy Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He also commended HPCL for fostering a strong ecosystem of innovation in petroleum and emerging energy technologies.
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Inauguration of Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) Pilot Plant
A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) Pilot Plant, a breakthrough facility that converts seaweed into bio-crude and other high-value bio-products. The Minister described the project as a significant milestone in India’s development of sustainable bioenergy solutions and green technologies.
Focus on Emerging Energy Technologies
Puri stressed the importance of continuous innovation across the oil and gas value chain and urged HPCL to explore commercial-scale opportunities in both existing and emerging energy areas. He highlighted HPGRDC’s work in:
- Green Hydrogen
- Biofuels
- Sustainable and Low-Carbon Energy Solutions
Advancements in Cleaner Mobility
HPGRDC demonstrated a flex-fuel retrofit kit for two-wheelers, enabling vehicles to operate on higher ethanol blends. This innovation supports India’s clean mobility targets and aligns with the national ethanol-blending roadmap.
Breakthroughs in Battery Research
The centre also showcased advanced battery technologies, focusing on Lithium-ion, Sodium-ion, and Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries. HPGRDC has successfully developed a 1 kW Lithium-ion battery pack using in-house cells, marking a major step toward indigenous battery manufacturing.
Progress in Green Hydrogen Production
HPGRDC displayed a 1 MW-equivalent short-stack of indigenous Alkaline and Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolysers, crucial for low-cost, scalable green hydrogen production in India. The Minister emphasized the strategic importance of home-grown research and industrial innovation in shaping India’s energy future.
Driving India’s Sustainable Energy Future
With strong advancements in bioenergy, hydrogen, clean mobility, and battery technologies, HPCL’s Green R&D Centre is emerging as a cornerstone of India’s sustainable energy ambitions, driving the nation toward a greener, self-reliant energy future.
