Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a ‘Maharatna’ and a Fortune Global 500 Company today launched its high-efficiency Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove. Set to be the world’s most efficient PNG Stove, it will reduce PNG consumption up to 20 – 25% in comparison to conventional stoves. The high efficiency of Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove will significantly reduce the import of natural gas thus saving FOREX. Further, the state-of-the-art innovation would contribute significantly to net-zero goals by reducing the CO2 emissions.
Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove comes with high thermal efficiency of more than 74% plus, making it 10- 15% higher in efficiency compared to stoves available in the market. The stove, designed for high thermal efficiency, uses cutting-edge technology developed by BPCL’s Corporate R&D Centre (CRDC), a premier research institution in the country, to enhance value for customers.
On the successful launch of the high-efficiency PNG Stove, Mr. Chandrashekhar N, Head (R&D) said, “CRDC has continued to evolve new core competencies and demonstrated a history of developing top-notch products, improved processes and unique analytical tools. Keeping the legacy in line, CRDC has worked and optimized the product design of all the crucial components, including the burner top, mixing tube and pan support. As a result, Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove demonstrates an unprecedented efficiency of 74%, forming yet another indigenous product from CRDC, BPCL. We, as a team, are committed to exploring all promising new horizons for sustained growth of the Corporation and benefiting the nation, in coming years.”
Shr. Akshay Wadhwa, Business Head (Gas) said, “Presently, the number of PNG connections in the country is 1.4 Cr, which is expected to increase nearly 8 times by 2030. BPCL is aggressively expanding its PNG network and aspires to make PNG available at 1 crore plus household, thereby contributing significantly towards transforming to a gas-based economy, we also intend to make this great innovation of highly efficient Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove, available across the country through our distribution network.”
Senior officials from (LPG) added, “The Bharat Hi-Star PNG stove will be rolled out under Beyond LPG project. The product has 4 variants viz. 2 Burner Stainless Still, 2 Burner Glass Top, 3 Burner Glass top and 4 burner glass top. It will be available at selected Bharatgas distributors in the Gas GAs of the country”.
The company has filed a patent application at Indian Patent Office for the stove. An average household consumes nearly 180 – 200 SCM of natural gas per annum. A 15% jump in the efficiency will save 30 SCM of gas per annum which translates to monetary savings of about INR 1500 – 2000 / household and equivalent carbon emissions from combustion. The benefits will be more in case replacement of old stoves.
India is predicted to become a gas-based economy. The natural gas contribution in India’s energy basket will be increased from 6% at present to 15% by 2030. In quantitative terms, natural gas consumption will be almost tripled to reach 450 MMSCMD by 2030 from current 175 MMSCMD.
BPCL has signed technology licensing agreement with M/s. Stufa Manufacturing Enterprise (Suryaflame) for commercial manufacturing and product will be available to your nearest Bharatgas distributor.
CRDC is actively involved in advanced research areas such as crude oil evaluation, oil refining catalyst development, eco-friendly lubricants, process simulation and modelling, anti-corrosion research, bitumen-related areas, novel energy-efficient technologies, alternative energy, biofuels, niche polymers and petrochemicals, product development, etc. Sustainability is at the heart of Bharat Petroleum and in this onward momentum to increasingly embrace clean and carbon neutral energy, CRDC has extensive programs for Biofuels, Solar, Hydrogen and Carbon Capture.