Karachi, November 21, 2023 – Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) announced a groundbreaking agreement on Tuesday, signaling a transformative phase in its operations. The refinery has inked a pivotal license agreement with industry giants Honeywell UOP and Axens for its ambitious Refinery Extension and Upgradation Project (REUP).
This strategic move is poised to double PRL’s refining capacity from the current 50,000 barrels per day (kpbd) to an impressive 100,000 barrels per day (kbpd) and elevate its existing configuration from hydro skimming to a deep conversion refinery.
In a communication with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), PRL detailed the primary objective of the REUP project – to produce value-added products and EURO V-compliant fuels. These environmentally preferable fuels are set to replace legacy automotive fuels, aligning with global efforts towards cleaner energy solutions.
PRL’s choice of cutting-edge process technologies from Honeywell UOP and Axens is a testament to its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Honeywell UOP will contribute bottom-of-the-barrel conversion technology and naphtha processing, featuring the Residue Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Process, the LPG Merox process, and a Naphtha complex. This will include a naphtha hydrotreater and a CCR Platforming unit. Axens, on the other hand, will supply Prime G+, Prime D, and Polynaphta to achieve Euro V gasoline and diesel specifications.
This collaboration is expected to revolutionize PRL’s refining capabilities, positioning it as a key player in the production of environmentally conscious fuels. The move towards Euro V-compliant fuels is not only a significant step for PRL but also aligns with global environmental standards, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in the energy sector.
Zahid Mir, Managing Director and CEO of PRL, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Honeywell UOP and Axens marks a significant milestone in our journey towards refinery modernization. These awards reflect our commitment to adopting advanced technologies for sustainable and efficient operations. We believe that these collaborations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Pakistan’s energy landscape.”
Mir emphasized the proactive role PRL aims to play in shaping a future where innovation converges with environmental responsibility, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and energy-efficient Pakistan. The refinery’s commitment to advanced technologies reflects its forward-looking approach, anticipating the evolving needs of the energy sector and contributing to the country’s broader economic and environmental goals.
As PRL embarks on this ambitious project, stakeholders and industry observers are keenly watching the developments, recognizing the potential impact on Pakistan’s energy sector and the broader implications for the nation’s economic landscape. The refinery’s strategic move underscores the importance of embracing technological advancements and sustainable practices in the pursuit of a cleaner, more efficient energy future.
