Crude oil can determine the fortunes of nations- and anything to do with oil requires huge investments. Kerala has not really been associated with the petrochemical industry, in spite of the fact that the BPCL Kochi Refinery or KRL has been refining crude and selling oil efficiently and profitably for the last four decades. However, KRL will now claim its place in the sun with a twin project- Integrated Refinery Expansion project or IREP, and a Joint Venture for the production of propylene and its derivatives. The project to enhance capacity would cost between Rs 12,000 and 13,000 crore and will come up on 200 acres of land that KRL has already identified. The Joint Venture Project or JV will cost Rs7000 crore, and will produce 5 lakh tones of propylene and its derivatives. A petrochemical complex that absorbs the raw materials produced by the JV will complete the picture. It would host eco friendly industries in 17 sectors, and cost around 10,000 crore.
Impressive Track Record
KRL’s track record over the past forty odd years has given it the confidence that future projects will take off smoothly too. The two major projects completed so far are the Rs 620 core Single Point Mooring Project or SMP and the Rs 4000 crore CEMP II or Capacity Expansion cum Modernisation Project. The SMP was completed in record time and within an hour of its completion, a ship had berthed there! The CEMP II Project helped KRL expand its refining capacity, and enabled it to produce Euro III and IV grade fuels. Materials had to be procured around the world to set it up. The manpower required was also staggering, as more than 10,000 people with diverse skill sets were required to execute the project. It is a matter of pride that all challenges were met with a style and efficiency that has laid the foundation for the success of future projects too.
Exciting Times Ahead
Kerala will benefit in many ways from both the IREP and JV Projects. As a result of the expansion, sulphur production from KRL will grow 2 to 3 times. KRL also plans to make niche products using the propylene produced by the JV Project. Many ancillary industries will spring up using the products from the JV. The derivatives produced from propylene can be used as feedstock in 21 different industries and in the manufacture of products that range from diapers to paints. The proposed petrochemical complex will host only the non polluting industries from these 21 industries to protect the environment. Quality power and water will be made available, and gas pipelines from the LNG Terminal will also pass through the region. There is no doubt that exciting times are ahead for KRL , as Kerala gets ready to absorb investments to the tune of Rs30,000 in this sector…and it is these investments that will boost industrialization to an unprecedented level in God’s Own Country.
gh-vao � s c P5 �4 generates employment in both the manufacturing and service sectors. With efficient quality control and a green tag for the best products the ‘Made in Kerala’ initiative could be a springboard for next phase of industrialization.
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