Visit Overview

On 27 August 2026, Shri Arvind Kumar, Director (Refineries) of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), visited the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT) in Jais, Uttar Pradesh. The visit included interactions with RGIPT Director Prof. Harish Hirani and faculty, a review of research and training facilities, and discussions aimed at deepening the long‑standing academia‑industry partnership between IOCL and RGIPT.

Training Programme

During the visit, Shri Kumar addressed IOCL officers participating in a training programme on “Petroleum Refining Technology” that commenced on 17 August 2026. He emphasized the need for continuous learning, technological upgradation, technical competence, innovation, safety, and sustainability to meet evolving energy sector requirements.

Waste‑to‑Energy and Carbon Capture Demonstrations

Shri Kumar toured RGIPT’s integrated zero‑waste management and biogas facilities where food waste from the institute mess is converted into methane‑rich biogas. The resulting biogas slurry is processed, dried, and transformed into biochar‑based solid pellets. These pellets are being evaluated for carbon dioxide capture and biogas purification, which can improve methane quality. Captured CO₂ is proposed for use with hydrogen in catalytic pathways to produce value‑added products such as methanol.

Hydrogen Pilot Facility

The delegation also visited a pilot hydrogen facility where water electrolysis generates hydrogen and oxygen. The produced hydrogen is stored for later use as a clean energy carrier, noting that hydrogen combustion does not emit CO₂ at the point of use, positioning it as a key component of emerging low‑carbon energy systems.

Strategic Significance

The visit highlighted RGIPT’s integrated capabilities across petroleum refining education, professional training, waste‑to‑energy conversion, carbon capture and utilization, biochar applications, and clean hydrogen technologies. Both parties indicated that the engagement further strengthens academic and professional collaboration between Indian Oil and RGIPT.