PM Modi Hails HPCL’s Visakh Refinery Expansion As Boost To India’s Energy Security And Self-Reliance

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday said HPCL’s new Residue Upgradation Facility at the Visakh refinery in Andhra Pradesh strengthens India’s energy security. He said the project marks an important step towards energy self-reliance.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister described the state-of-the-art facility as a key step towards becoming self-reliant in the energy sector.

“This state-of-the-art facility adds momentum to our efforts towards boosting energy security, thus becoming Aatmanirbhar in this sector,” he wrote.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri noted that the commissioning of the RUF marks a significant milestone. He said it represents an important step in India’s journey towards energy independence.

Hardeep Singh Puri posted that the facility represents a decisive step towards a self-reliant India. He said the progress reflects the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

“This critical infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh is a decisive leap toward #AatmanirbharBharat, under the visionary leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji and CM @ncbn Ji,” Puri said.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also expressed gratitude to PM Modi for his vision in strengthening the Visakh Refinery. He said the East Coast now emerges as a world-class refining hub.

Taking to X, Naidu posted, “Andhra Pradesh anchors another major milestone for Aatmanirbhar Bharat. As part of the three-stage Visakh Refinery Modernisation Project (VRMP), the refinery now hosts a new Residue Upgradation Facility featuring three of the heaviest reactors in the world. This upgrade will help meet regional fuel needs and boost socio-economic growth. I sincerely thank Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for his vision in strengthening Visakh Refinery to support the nation’s energy security. With this, the East Coast also emerges as a world-class refining hub.”

Key Features of the RUF Project

The RUF at Visakh Refinery has a capacity of 3.55 million metric tonnes per annum. It can achieve a conversion rate of around 93 per cent, ensuring maximum utilisation of each barrel of crude oil.

The facility is part of the three-stage Visakh Refinery Modernisation Project (VRMP). It features three of the heaviest reactors in the world.

The upgrade will, however, meet regional fuel demand and drive socio-economic growth in the region.

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