OIL, NRL set ambitious targets for energy independence, innovation

The energy landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation, with a strong emphasis on boosting domestic production to reduce import dependency.

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), a subsidiary of Oil India Limited, has announced an ambitious expansion plan to triple its refining capacity from 3 million tons per annum to 9 million tons. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance India's energy security.

It is spearheaded by Ranjit Rath, the Chairman and Managing Director of Oil India Ltd (OIL), and he confirmed on Saturday at the post-AGM press meet here in the national capital.

At the heart of this expansion is the construction of a 1,635-kilometer crude oil trunk pipeline to Numaligarh - this pipeline is designed to import 5.5 million tons of crude oil, supporting the increased refining capacity. Both projects are currently under execution and are expected to be completed in stages, with a target for full commissioning by December 2025. The phased approach to mechanical completion is crucial to meeting this ambitious timeline, allowing for staggered pre-commissioning activities to ensure timely completion.