HPCL is mulling to foray in research and development (R&D) in the refining
sector.
The company is planning to set up its corporate R&D centre in Bengaluru at a
cost of Rs 300 crore. In the Phase I, it will focus on refining-related
activities. The centre is likely to be ready by March 2013.
The centre can help from the viewpoint of buying different crude oil types,
catalysts and improving processes. In addition, there will be intensive research
in areas such as lubes, bio-fuels, hydrogen and so on. Currently, HPCL is
holding discussion with the University of Queensland in Australia to explore
joint research on the different types of catalysts that can be produced out of
bagasse.