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Chennai Refinery Aims to Become Hydrogen Hub, Partners with IIT-Madras for Green Fuel Push

25 Jan 2024

Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) has its sights set on becoming a major player in the hydrogen game! They're teaming up with IIT-Madras and industry partners to not only meet their own hydrogen needs, but also supply green hydrogen for various uses, from transportation to making plastics.

Green Hydrogen on the Horizon:

  • CPCL is joining the "Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster" with IIT-Madras and the Tamil Nadu government.

  • A pilot electrolyzer developed by IIT-Madras will be installed at CPCL's site to produce green hydrogen, ditching fossil fuels for a cleaner approach.


Beyond Green, Exploring Options:

  • CPCL is looking into carbon capture technologies to expand their hydrogen sources.

  • They're even exploring using captured CO2 and green hydrogen to create new materials.


Turning lemons into lemonade:

  • CPCL currently uses steam methane reformers for hydrogen, which generate CO2 emissions.

  • They're exploring capturing this CO2 and selling it to other industries, making the most of a less-than-ideal situation.


Big Refinery Project Gets Bigger:

  • CPCL has secured additional land for its massive 9 MMTPA refinery project in Nagapattinam.

  • This project is a joint venture with IndianOil, and they're still looking for other investors to join the party.


Chemical Industry Conference Highlights:

  • India's chemical industry is booming, and CPCL is at the forefront of innovation.

  • The focus is on specialty chemicals, sustainability, and developing skilled workers for the future.


This isn't just a story about a refinery; it's about India's push for cleaner energy and a more sustainable future. And CPCL is playing a key role in making it happen. So, keep your eyes peeled for more hydrogen news coming out of Chennai, and remember, the future is looking bright (and green)!

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