BPCL talks to Nippon Oil for tech sharing

The state-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) is in talks with Japan's Nippon Oil Corporation (NOC) for a technology sharing tie-up for developing polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC).

PEFC is the world's first residential use cogeneration system, using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and developed in 2005 by Nippon Oil "" Japan's largest oil importer and distributor.

On the sidelines of a conference held by the Bombay Chambers of Commerce and Industry, S K Jain, executive director (LPG), BPCL, said: "Fuel cells are attracting attention as a clean generation system. We are pursuing talks with Nippon. We have also undertaken research and development in this regard."

These fuel cells generate and supply power and recover thermal energy derived during power generation to produce hot water.

In comparison with the conventional power generation system, fuel cells will improve energy efficiency. In this technology, the reduction rate of CO2 is estimated at 40 per cent when installed and operated in households. LPG is used as the base fuel for PEFC.