Guwahati: The Assam-based Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) in Jorhat, which is is line with its 10-year vision plan aimed at diversifying into broader energy plays.
Under the MoA, a groundbreaking Research & Development center named "NRL-NEIST R&D Centre" or "NRDC" will be established at NEIST's premises in Jorhat ina staggering Rs 90 crore, according to a release. This center, a collaborative effort between NRL and NEIST, will engage in long-term research activities focused on emerging energy sectors.
The NRL will provide financial support to the R&D center for various research projects.
The primary objectives of this strategic partnership include the creation of a state-of-the-art R&D, analytical, and testing platform dedicated to the petroleum industry. The agreement outlines 11 identified verticals, including separation science, catalysis and reaction engineering, waste to wealth, value addition, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), geotechnical investigation, testing of petroleum products, scaling up of processes, and energy.
As per the statement, the agreement aims to establish the NRL-NEIST R&D Centre at CSIR-NEIST, marking a pivotal moment in petrochemical research.
CSIR-NEIST Director, Dr. G. Narahari Sastry, expressed that the MoU signifies a historic collaboration, leveraging CSIR-NEIST’s profound expertise in petrochemical research.
“With multidisciplinary R&D capabilities, the institute aims to provide comprehensive solutions to industry challenges and drive technological advancements for societal development,” he added
"The NRDC aims to develop sustainable solutions for the intricate energy and environmental challenges faced by the oil and petroleum sector through continuous and collaborative research," added the release.
Additionally, the center will explore technological frontiers for tapping into unconventional energy reserves. Specialized testing facilities for hydrocarbons, specialty chemicals, water samples, and civil, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and metallurgy will be developed to bolster the industry's capabilities.
The MoA was officially signed by Nikunja Borthakur, senior Chief General Manager (Corporate Affairs) on behalf of NRL, and G Narahari Sastry, the director of CSIR-NEIST.
Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan MD, NRL stressed that CSIR-NEIST, as a national industrial research lab, is ideal for delivering globally relevant R&D solutions.
The NRL is presently on an expansion trajectory, increasing its capacity from 3 to 9 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) with a substantial investment of Rs 28,000 crore. "This strategic move positions NRL as a key player in shaping the future of the petroleum industry, driving innovation, sustainability, and technological advancements," said the release
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