Topsoe, a global leader in advanced energy transition solutions, has signed a licensing agreement with the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). Under the agreement, Topsoe will provide its Kerosene Hydrotreating Technology to enable the co-processing and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at BPCL’s Mumbai Refinery. 

BPCL is upgrading its current 4,000 metric tons per day Kerosene Hydrotreater Unit to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Utilizing Topsoe’s specialized technology, the refinery will blend 5% used cooking oil with standard feedstock. This approach allows BPCL to manufacture SAF using its existing setup rather than building a new plant, expanding on a 20-year collaboration between the two companies.

Having achieved final investment decision, the facility revamp is already underway, with commissioning expected by the end of 2026.

The SAF produced will be supplied to airlines refueling international passenger flights at Indian airports, as the nation builds its domestic SAF ecosystem ahead of mandatory compliance with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in 20271 . India has committed to SAF blending targets of 1% for international flights by 2027, 2% by 2028 and 5% by 20302.

Alok Verma, Managing Director Asia Pacific at Topsoe, said: “India is an important and growing market for sustainable aviation fuel, and we are pleased to support Bharat Petroleum in taking this step towards increasing its SAF production capacity. This project demonstrates how Topsoe’s technology can provide a practical route for refiners to begin SAF production, without significant modifications to existing infrastructure, while at the same time the co-processing of conventional and renewable feedstocks increases flexibility for fuel producers.”

Sankar M, Executive Director, Mumbai Refinery, BPCL, said: "As India advances its journey towards Net Zero emissions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2040 and accelerates its energy transition, Sustainable Aviation Fuel will play a pivotal role in decarbonising the aviation sector. We are pleased to further strengthen our collaboration with Topsoe, whose proven technology will support BPCL in expanding its SAF production capabilities. This project marks an important step towards building a robust domestic SAF ecosystem, strengthening India’s energy security and enabling a cleaner and more sustainable future for air transport.”