1. R&D Policy Framework of Numaligarh Refinery Limited

1.1 The Research and Development (R&D) Policy Framework defines the guiding principles, objectives, and governance mechanisms for undertaking collaborative R&D activities between NRL and premier research institutes, academia, and industry partners. The framework aims to foster innovation, drive technological advancement, and support sustainable development within the energy sector and across NRL's business domains.

1.2 The R&D policy emphasizes the development of technologies that enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and expand product portfolios. Focus areas include advanced refining technologies, alternative and cleaner fuel options such as biofuels, and the adoption of digital and AI-driven tools for process optimization.

1.3 NRL seeks to continually improve its process efficiency with a dual purpose of value maximization and cost reduction. Being located in an environmentally sensitive zone, NRL remains committed to exceeding statutory environmental norms and maintaining high standards of emissions control.

1.4 The policy articulates NRL's vision for its R&D initiatives and provides a structured approach for developing a comprehensive R&D roadmap covering short-term, medium-term, and long-term objectives.

1.5 The policy and implementation strategy are aligned with NRL's corporate vision, financial capabilities, and strategic priorities, identifying specific areas where focused R&D intervention is necessary.

2. Vision, Mission, and Objectives

2.1 Vision:
To become a leader in sustainable energy innovation by promoting collaborative research that accelerates the industry's transition towards low-carbon technologies, enhances operational efficiency, and upholds environmental stewardship.

2.2 Mission:
To execute world-class R&D through strategic partnerships with premier research institutes, academia, and industry, aimed at developing advanced technologies and solutions that support sustainable growth, optimize resource utilization, and reinforce safety, environmental integrity, and reliability across the oil and gas value chain.

2.3 Objectives:

• Promote innovation through collaborative R&D initiatives aligned with strategic industry priorities.
• Enable the development of sustainable technologies to meet evolving energy requirements while reducing environmental impacts.
• Improve operational efficiency and safety through continuous technological advancements across NRL's operations.
• Encourage knowledge exchange and skill enhancement through engagement with academia, research institutes, and industry experts.
• Support patent generation, technology commercialization, and scalable deployment of research outcomes.

3. Collaborative Research

3.1 NRL acknowledges the importance of collaborative partnerships to effectively harness emerging technologies and drive high-impact research. In line with this, NRL shall engage with reputed academic institutions, research laboratories, autonomous bodies, and government agencies-both nationally and internationally-under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to achieve its R&D objectives.

3.2 The primary purpose of these collaborations is to leverage the advanced research capabilities of partnering organizations to strengthen NRL's technical competencies and enhance operational efficiency. A structured policy framework enables seamless engagement and ensures maximum value addition to NRL through these partnerships.

3.3 The emphasis will be on establishing collaborations with leading academic and research institutions, nationally or internationally, to generate business-linked research outcomes. Such partnerships will equip both entities to address future challenges and contribute to innovation in the energy sector.

3.4 To support this initiative, a well-defined policy framework is essential. The policy establishes the process for forming partnerships, outlines roles and responsibilities, and provides guidelines for project execution, reporting, evaluation, and closure. By formalizing engagement protocols, the policy ensures transparency, accountability, and efficiency in all collaborative R&D activities, ultimately driving value creation and sustainable business growth.

4. Modes of Collaborative Engagement

4.1 Engagement through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
NRL may sign an umbrella MoU with research institutions or organizations under the following circumstances:

• To establish an overarching framework that enables long-term collaboration.
• To facilitate multi-disciplinary cooperation across diverse projects, departments, and research domains.
• To accelerate project initiation under pre-defined terms and conditions.
• To maintain uniformity in clauses related to intellectual property, confidentiality, publication rights, and financial arrangements, thereby minimizing the potential for disputes or misunderstandings.

4.2 Engagement through Memorandum of Agreement (MoA):
Specific collaborative R&D projects shall be implemented through an MoA signed between NRL and the collaborating institution. The MoA will clearly define the project objectives, expected deliverables, financial requirements, project schedule, roles and responsibilities of each party, and all other relevant terms and conditions essential for successful execution.