Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has launched its high-efficiency Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove on September 30, 2024. Set to be the world’s most efficient PNG Stove, it will reduce PNG consumption upto 20 to 25 per cent in comparison to conventional stoves. The high efficiency of Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove will significantly reduce the import of natural gas thus saving foreign exchange. Further, the state-of-the-art innovation would contribute significantly to net-zero goals by reducing carbon emissions.
Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove comes with a high thermal efficiency of more than 74 per cent, making it 10 to 15 per cent 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), to enhance value for customers.
On the successful launch of the high-efficiency PNG Stove, Mr. Chandrashekhar N, Head (R&D) commented, “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 optimised 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 per cent, 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.”
Mr. Akshay Wadhwa, Business Head (Gas) said, “Presently, the number of PNG connections in the country is 14 million, which is expected to increase nearly 8 times by 2030. BPCL is aggressively expanding its PNG network and aspires to make PNG available at 10 million plus households, 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 the Beyond LPG project. The product has four 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 to 200 scm of natural gas per annum. A 15 per cent jump in the efficiency will save 30 scm of gas per annum which translates to monetary savings of about Rs 1,500 to 2,000 per 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 per cent at present to 15 per cent by 2030. In quantitative terms, natural gas consumption will be almost tripled to reach 450 mmscmd by 2030 from the current 175 mmscmd.
BPCL has signed a 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 programmes for biofuels, solar, hydrogen, and carbon capture.