Centre calls for environmental clearance for BPCL refinery

Metro India News | RAMAYAPATNAM : The proposed greenfield refinery and petrochemical complex of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) near Ramayapatnam Port in Nellore district has cleared a key regulatory hurdle, with the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recommending the project for environmental clearance. The project, estimated to cost Rs 1,03,408 crore, is proposed to be developed on around 5,200 acres near Ramayapatnam Port. The integrated complex is planned with an annual capacity of nine million tonnes (MTPA).

The proposed production mix includes around 5.4 million tonnes of transportation fuels, including petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel, and approximately 3.2 million tonnes of petrochemical products. The project also incorporates a substantial environmental management component. Around 30 per cent of the project area, approximately 1,563 acres, is proposed to be developed as a green belt. 

The project has earmarked about Rs 3,022 crore for environmental management measures, according to the proposal. The complex is also expected to include facilities for green hydrogen and renewable energy, besides a marine crude oil terminal linked to Ramayapatnam Port. The integrated infrastructure is intended to support the movement of crude and finished products and strengthen the project’s logistics network. The proposed refinery and petrochemical complex is being positioned as a major industrial investment for Andhra Pradesh, with the potential to expand the State’s petroleum and petrochemical manufacturing base.

The project is also expected to generate employment during both the construction and operational phases, with additional indirect opportunities anticipated across logistics, services and ancillary industries. With the EAC recommendation, the project has moved closer to securing the required statutory approvals. BPCL is expected to proceed with further preparatory work and construction planning once the remaining regulatory processes are completed.