In an environment-friendly initiative, a Liquefied Natural Gas storage and re-gasification facility was inaugurated at a unit of state-run HLL Lifecare Limited here by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
The 39.5 m3 capacity LNG Storage and Re-gasification facility will replace furnace oil with the cleaner LNG to fuel burners at the company's factory at Peroorkada here.
Chandy said HLL has set the mark in Kerala by installing the pollution free and cost effective facility in its factory.
"The state had exempted LNG from Value Added Tax in last year's budget. We should make maximum use of it," he added.
He also expressed concerns over other industries not coming forward to make use of such facilities.
"However, I am happy that HLL has come forward to take up the project within a short period of time," he said.
HLL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Dr M Ayyappan said the company was proud to install this facility in Thiruvananthapuram, the first of its kind in public sector organisations in Kerala.
He said LNG stored in the tank is converted into natural gas with the help of vaporisers in the system, controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller.
"This natural gas is used as fuel in the boiler and the steam generated is used for manufacturing operations," he said.
Ayyapan also requested the CM to extend LNG's VAT exemption period from one year.
The storage facility and operations underwent several standards and safety clearances, particularly from the Petroleum Explosives and Safety Organisation, Nagpur.
The technology for this innovative tank, which takes care of energy shortage, is provided by global industry leader and Turkey-based company Isisan.
"HLL's unit at Peroorkada requires around 9 MT of LNG for its daily production operations. We purchase 240 metric tonnes LNG per year," Ayyapan added.
Though the installation of the system was completed in 2014, successful trial runs and stabilisation was required for the official inauguration of the commercial operation.
R K Garg, Finance Director, Petronet LNG, was among those present.
