The Guwahati Refinery, operated by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), has achieved a significant milestone, showcasing efficiency and dedication to sustainability. In the past year, the refinery, under IOCL’s operation, successfully reduced its energy consumption by an impressive 15 percent, establishing a commendable example for energy conservation in the industry.
Moreover, The President of India honoured the refinery with the National Energy Conservation Awards 2023, recognizing its excellence in energy efficiency. This accomplishment not only underscores the refinery’s dedication to environmental responsibility but also demonstrates its capacity to innovate and enhance operational processes.
Structured to optimize LPG production by employing Fluidized Catalytic Cracking on diverse residual feedstocks, the Guwahati Refinery utilizes the Indane Maximization (INDMAX) technology pioneered by the R&D Centre of Indian Oil.
This technology has demonstrated exceptional efficiency, enabling the refinery to reduce energy consumption without compromising its production. Initially crafted to handle a mixture of OIL and ONGC crude with a refining capacity, the Guwahati Refinery has undergone enhancements since its inception.
Over the years, it has evolved to meet changing demands and technological advancements. It underwent an upgrade in 1986, increasing its capacity to 1.0 MMTPA. The refinery now includes a Delayed Coker Unit (DCU) with a capacity of 0.33 MMTPA and a Kerosene Treating Unit (KTU) with a capacity of 0.23 MMTPA.
Recognizing the refinery’s achievement, it received first-place recognition for this feat, surpassing even Indian Oil’s Haldia Refinery, which accomplished a commendable 14% reduction in energy consumption and was awarded a ‘Certificate of Merit’.
The noteworthy decrease in energy consumption achieved by the Guwahati Refinery is especially remarkable given the rising energy requirements and growing greenhouse gas emissions within the global oil and gas industry. The success of the Guwahati Refinery stands as a symbol of advancement, illustrating that with appropriate technology and commitment, the energy sector can actively contribute to a more sustainable future.
