Aliko Dangote, during the groundbreaking ceremony for his $16 billion Lamu refinery, identified Dr. Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell UOP, as the senior executive behind the technology that will power the planned 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery. Dangote revealed that Honeywell UOP will earn a commission for every barrel processed using its technology. The ceremony, attended by President William Ruto and other African leaders, marked the beginning of the project that is expected to be completed within 40 months.
The Lamu refinery, one of the largest industrial projects announced for Kenya, is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily. Honeywell UOP, a major technology and process-licensing company, is providing technology licensing, engineering services, and equipment for the project. The company has previously worked with Dangote on his refinery in Lekki, Nigeria, and has continued to provide process technology to the facility for nearly a decade.
Dr. Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell UOP, was present at the Lamu ceremony, where Dangote publicly recognized him. Dangote explained the commercial arrangement behind the technology, stating that Honeywell UOP will collect a commission for every barrel processed. This arrangement is a result of Dangote purchasing the technology from Honeywell UOP.
Honeywell UOP provides process technology, licensing, equipment, and related services to the refining, petrochemical, and gas-processing industries. The company's portfolio includes technologies used to convert crude oil and natural gas into fuels and other products. Its work covers areas such as refining, gas processing, hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, and other energy technologies.
The Lamu refinery project has faced legal and environmental challenges, including a land dispute involving residents near the proposed site. Despite these challenges, Dangote and President Ruto broke ground for the project, which is expected to supply refined petroleum products to Kenya and other countries in the region.
The project is a significant investment in Kenya's industrial sector, with a total cost of $16 billion. The refinery is expected to have a major impact on the regional economy and will provide a new source of refined petroleum products. Dangote has assured that the project will move forward despite the legal disputes.
The Lamu refinery is a key part of Kenya's efforts to increase its industrial capacity and reduce its reliance on imported petroleum products. The project is expected to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. With the groundbreaking ceremony completed, the project is now underway, and Dangote is confident that it will be completed within the planned 40-month timeline.
Key points
- Aliko Dangote names Dr. Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell UOP, as the executive whose company will earn a commission on every barrel processed at his planned Lamu refinery.
