HPCL Chairman urges companies to explore alternative energy sources

Thiruvananthapuram, May 20 (UNI) Hindustan Petroleum Cooptation Limited (HPCL) Chairman and Managing Director Arun Balakrishnan today urged oil companies to explore the possibilities of finding out alternatives sources of energy.

Receiving the '11th A K Nair Memorial Award,' instituted by Leela Group, Mumbai, and North Malabar Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) here, he said the HPCL had explored the qualities of 'Jatropha,' a bio-diesel seed, and would cultivate it in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Uttranchal.

The HPCL had tie-up with two sugar companies in Punjab for producing Ethanol from sugar cane, he said, adding, a wind mill would also be also set up at Dhulay in Maharashtra.

The company had a proposal, as a joint venture with Mithal group, to set up an oil refinery in Punjab, with an investment of Rs 18,000 crore, he said, adding that it would be commissioned by 2010.

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