Bharat Petroleum Seeks Collaboration wtih Nippon Oil for Fuel Cell Technology

Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), India's 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 reportedly is holding talks with Japan’s Nippon Oil Corporation for a collaboration utilising its polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) technology.  PEFC is a 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 BPCL is able to commercialise this project, it would be a first in India. 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. “We are pursuing talks with Nippon. We have also undertaken research and development in this regard,” he added.


http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=336916

Source: Fuel Cell Today