Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) is accelerating its renewable energy initiatives as part of its efforts to advance the greening of its operations and support the transition towards cleaner sources of energy.
As renewable energy evolves beyond conventional solar installations, HPCL through its renewable energy subsidiary HPCL Renewable & Green Energy Ltd (HPRGE), is adopting innovative models that combine clean power generation with efficient utilisation of land, water and existing infrastructure, a release by HPCL said.
HPCL currently has an operational renewable energy portfolio of 253 MW comprising solar and wind assets. Its 100.9 MW wind portfolio is being utilised through a mix of captive consumption, utility supplies and power trading on the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX).
Further strengthening its renewable energy footprint, HPRGE is executing more than 200 MWp of solar projects across diverse formats, including ground-mounted, rooftop, agri-solar and floating solar projects. A major focus of HPRGE’s expansion is to support the captive greening of HPCL’s refineries, marketing locations and group companies.
Floating solar
HPRGE is also harnessing existing water bodies through floating solar projects. Its first floating solar project at the HPCL Vizag refinery reservoir has been commissioned, while two additional floating solar plants are under execution at the Pachpadra and Nachna reservoirs of HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited. The Nachna project is also being integrated with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to optimise the utilisation of renewable power.
Ground-mounted solar
HPRGE has also commissioned two ground-mounted solar projects at Jalgaon, Maharashtra, and Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, to support the greening of HPCL’s marketing locations in the respective states. The renewable energy portfolio continues to scale with two ground-mounted projects having achieved mechanical completion in Gujarat and Haryana, while construction has progressed significantly on the 140 MWp solar project at Galiveedu in Andhra Pradesh. HPRGE is also developing further utility scale captive green-power projects to meet the renewable energy requirements of HPCL’s refineries, terminals and marketing locations across multiple states.
Towards a sustainable future
Commenting on the renewable energy journey, Mohit Dhawan, CEO, HPRGE, said, “Renewable energy is not just about generating clean power; it is about using our resources smarter. Our agri-solar projects enable farming and solar generation to coexist on the same land, creating an inclusive model where clean energy supports additional income and prosperity for farmers. Our floating solar projects use the unused surface of reservoirs, avoiding competition for land while also reducing evaporation and conserving water. They can also be implemented faster than conventional ground-mounted projects in suitable locations. For us, the focus is clear: generate clean energy, use land and water more efficiently, create value for communities, and accelerate HPCL’s journey towards a sustainable future.”
Featured photograph shows a floating solar power plant of HPCL (Photo: HPCL)