Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), the state-run oil marketing company, is planning to generate up to 1,000 MW of power through fuel cell technology over the next three to five years, and is holding talks with a Japanese firm for technology collaboration.
The company is in talks with Japan’s Nippon Oil Corporation for polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) technology.
PEFC is the world’s first cogeneration system for residential use based on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and was developed in 2005 by Nippon Oil, Japan’s largest oil importer and distributor.
If the state-owned company is able to commercialise this project, it would be a first in the country. BPCL did not divulge the investment details, but a Delhi-based analyst said it could range between Rs 4,000 crore and Rs 8,000 crore for a 500-1,000 MW capacity.
The company has recently developed a prototype fuel cell-based energy system using hydrogen as fuel. The project involves production of hydrogen through electrolysis of alkaline water.
“Fuel cells are attracting attention as a clean energy generation system,” said a BPCL official who sought anonymity. “We are pursuing talks with Nippon. We have also undertaken research and development in this regard,” he added.
Fuel cells generate and supply power and later recover thermal energy derived during power generation to produce hot water. In comparison with conventional power generation system, fuel cells offer better energy efficiency.
This technology is estimated to bring down carbon dioxide emission by households to 40 per cent. LPG is used as the base fuel for PEFC.
At the company’s recently held annual general meeting, Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Sinha said, “We are looking at entering into the non-conventional energy business. We have strong belief that it offers great potential in meeting the country’s growing energy needs.”
BPCL is also setting up a 1-MW capacity grid-connected solar farm in Punjab. The technical and financial evaluation of the project is under process. The company is also foraying into power generation by setting up windmills at different locations. It has identified Maharashtra and Rajasthan for setting up windmills, Sinha said.
The two states will have 5-MW capacity windmills each involving a total outlay of Rs 52 crore, Sinha said.
“Tapping this potential can go a long way in meeting the energy needs of the country in a clean and sustainable manner,” he added.
