BPCL advances clean energy with biofuel, wave power, and petrochemical partnerships

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has intensified its commitment to sustainable energy by entering into three key strategic collaborations aimed at enhancing bioethanol production, wave energy development, and petrochemical feedstock procurement. These initiatives align with BPCL’s broader objective of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040, while also bolstering India’s energy security through diversification and innovation.

A landmark partnership with the National Sugar Institute (NSI) in Kanpur will drive advancements in sweet sorghum biofuel, a promising alternative to conventional ethanol sources such as sugarcane and corn. Additionally, an agreement with Equinor India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Equinor ASA, secures a steady propane and butane supply to support BPCL’s petrochemical and refining operations. Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eco Wave Power Global AB paves the way for wave energy projects along India’s coastline, marking a significant step toward harnessing ocean-based renewable energy.

How Will Sweet Sorghum Enhance India’s Bioethanol Production?

As part of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, BPCL’s collaboration with NSI aims to accelerate the development of sweet sorghum biofuel, a sustainable alternative to traditional ethanol feedstocks. This initiative will optimize ethanol extraction, fermentation methods, and agricultural practices, making ethanol production more efficient and commercially viable.

BPCL has pledged INR 5 crores toward research and development efforts to improve crop yields, juice extraction techniques, and fermentation efficiency. The partnership will also explore how residual biomass from sweet sorghum can be repurposed for compressed biogas (CBG) and other value-added applications, reinforcing a circular economy approach in biofuel production.

BPCL Chairman & Managing Director G. Krishnakumar emphasized that sweet sorghum’s water-efficient properties and rapid growth cycle make it a highly scalable solution for India’s renewable energy transition. NSI Director Seema Paroha stated that NSI’s expertise in bioethanol research will help drive innovation in ethanol production technology, benefiting both farmers and energy producers.

By integrating sweet sorghum biofuel into India’s energy framework, BPCL aims to reduce fossil fuel dependency, enhance rural economic growth, and promote sustainable farming practices.

What Does BPCL’s Propane and Butane Agreement Mean for India’s Petrochemical Industry?

To ensure a stable supply of essential petrochemical feedstocks, BPCL has signed a one-year agreement with Equinor India Pvt. Ltd. for the procurement of propane and butane at Gujarat Port. These hydrocarbons play a critical role in LPG production, petrochemical refining, and industrial applications, making their availability crucial for BPCL’s downstream operations.

This partnership strengthens BPCL’s ability to secure competitively priced energy resources, reinforcing its position as a key player in India’s growing petrochemical market. By locking in a consistent supply of propane and butane, BPCL can enhance its refining efficiency, support petrochemical manufacturing, and meet India’s rising demand for energy products.

Can Wave Energy Become India’s Next Big Renewable Power Source?

In a major step toward renewable energy diversification, BPCL has partnered with Eco Wave Power Global AB to develop wave energy projects in India. The MoU was signed during India Energy Week 2025, underscoring BPCL’s commitment to exploring ocean energy potential as part of its long-term sustainability strategy.

The agreement will focus on a 100-300 kW pilot project at BPCL’s Mumbai Oil Terminals, serving as a proof-of-concept for large-scale wave energy deployment. BPCL will facilitate regulatory approvals, site selection, and infrastructure development, while Eco Wave Power will contribute its patented wave energy conversion technology and research expertise.

BPCL Chairman G. Krishnakumar described wave energy as a largely untapped resource with enormous potential, particularly given India’s 7,500-km coastline. Eco Wave Power CEO Inna Braverman emphasized that India’s coastal population of over 250 million people represents a vast market for sustainable wave-generated electricity.

Wave energy has been recognized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as a promising alternative power source, with an estimated 40,000 MW of untapped potential along India’s shores. By integrating wave energy into India’s clean energy portfolio, BPCL aims to enhance energy resilience, reduce carbon emissions, and create a new avenue for sustainable power generation.

How Is BPCL Advancing Its Net Zero Commitment?

These strategic collaborations reinforce BPCL’s broader mission to transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources while maintaining operational efficiency. The company has already taken significant steps to integrate renewable solutions into its business model, including plans to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across 7,000 fuel stations over the next five years.

BPCL’s commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2040 involves substantial investments in biofuels, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure development. By embracing sweet sorghum biofuel, wave energy projects, and petrochemical supply security, BPCL is positioning itself as a leader in India’s energy transition.

These efforts not only reduce dependency on conventional fossil fuels but also create economic opportunities for farmers, researchers, and renewable energy developers. As India accelerates its push toward sustainability and energy security, BPCL’s proactive initiatives set a benchmark for the future of green energy in the country.