Media Release
Bengaluru, Jan 19: The 24th Refining & Petrochemical Technology Meet (RPTM) with the theme 'Driving Refining & petrochemicals towards Sustenance' was organised by CHT in association of Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd under aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) during on Sunday, January 19 at Technology Hub City of India, Bengaluru.
The meet was inaugurated by Dr M M Kutty, secretary PNG, government of India in the gracious presence of Dr Anil Kakodkar, eminent scientist and chairman SAC on Hydrocarbons of MoPNG, senior officers from MoPNG, and experts from hydrocarbon industry from India and abroad.
M Venkatesh, managing director while delivering the welcome address spoke about the disruptions and challenges faced by the oil industry especially in the last years. He stressed upon the need for the refining sector to rise up to the challenge by review of strategies and configurations.
Sunil Kumar, joint secretary (Refinery) presented the theme address. He highlighted the need for the energy security and the responsibilities towards climate to go hand in hand. He also spoke about wastage minimisation through efforts like gasification and petrochemical production being adopted by the Indian refining sector.
D Anil Kakodkar, hailed the efforts of Indian refining and petrochemicals industry for emerging as the world’s fourth largest refiner and for all the innovations and accomplishments achieved in the past decades. He congratulated the refining sector for the accomplishments in the arena of technological innovations and energy security. He particularly spoke about the steps like utilising sources like 'gas hydrates' through focussed emphasis on research and development.
Dr M M Kutty, spoke in detail about the emerging scenario in the energy sector. He said that though the percentage of renewable energy is going to double by 2024, even in 2030 the percentage of Oil and Gas industry would stay a high 31% due to the meteoritic growth that is expected to take place in Indian economy. He mentioned various strategies and policies being adopted by the government. He stressed upon various steps like promotion of bio fuels, blending of hydrogen and natural gas for bringing down import dependency. He informed about targeted efforts of government in promoting renewable energy and improving energy security.
The meet is attended by 1500 delegates from India and abroad including large nos. representing foreign companies in India and 32 from abroad.
The meet is sponsored by 27 number of sponsors including 17 foreign companies representing Process Licensors, Design and Engineering Companies, Oil companies, Catalyst Manufacturers, R&D and Academic institutes.
Besides, 17 number of Exhibition Stalls have been put up by oil companies, catalyst manufacturers, Design & Engg Companies, Licensors to showcase their expertise through Exhibition stalls. Out of these 10 Exhibition Stalls were from Foreign participating Companies.
During the meet total 15 Technical Sessions on various relevant topics covering 82 Technical Papers are scheduled to be presented. Out of these 43 presentations were delivered by Foreign Companies and 24 speakers from abroad.
In the meet, Poster Presentations are also organised. Of the total 78 Poster presentations, 24 are from companies abroad covering 7 speakers from abroad.
During the event various awards were given to refineries which achieved significant improvements in energy efficiency or innovation. IOCL-Paradip, IOCL –Guwahati Refinery, IOC (R&D), BPCL-Kochi Refinery and BPC R&D Centre etc. won the first prize in various categories.