Engineering India’s future through green innovation and global expansion
In an interview with Energy Connects, Vartika Shukla, Chairman and Managing Director of Engineers India Limited (EIL) shares her views on projects, diversification, fiscal growth, and EIL’s strategic vision for expansion moving forward.
EIL has always had a legacy as an oil and gas player, but you’re evolving quickly and embracing new energies such as biofuels and green hydrogen. How has that journey been so far?
Our core competencies have traditionally been in hydrocarbons and we’re implementing mega projects in India and abroad, offering EPCM and PMC services. Simultaneously, we’ve consciously expanded our core strengths to diversify into sectors like fertilisers and infrastructure.
India’s first bamboo-based bioethanol project is set to be inaugurated by our Honourable Prime Minister, marking the entry of second-generation ethanol into the blending component - a major milestone for us. This is the result of our engineering expertise, dedicated manpower, and close coordination with suppliers and clients. We’ve advanced this project from a Technical Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 or 4 to TRL 7, and once commissioned, it will be complete. In green hydrogen, we commissioned a 10-megawatt plant last year for one of our Indian clients. Given our deep understanding of hydrogen from our refinery experience, we’re well-equipped and excited about India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, supported by nearly $2 billion in green financing.
With so many areas of development, how is EIL uniquely positioned to take the lead in this transition, particularly from a skills perspective?
We work closely with ADNOC, are opening an office in Saudi Arabia, and are empanelled with Aramco. We’ve also signed an MoU with BP for global engineering work. Our teams are exposed to emerging technologies and we encourage participation in professional bodies such as API and ASME. We also have specialists in materials and welding technologies.
This technical depth, combined with our strong supply chain and execution capabilities, creates a potent offering for our public and private sector clients. Additionally, we’re incorporating AI and machine learning into our operations. This drives innovation, excites our younger teams, and enhances operational excellence.
Could you tell us more about your international expansion and some of the projects you’re most excited about?
Last year, we recorded roughly $120 million in order inflows. This financial year, at just the halfway mark, we reached around $200 million. A few years ago, that figure was in double digits, so it’s remarkable.
A major contributor was the Dangote refinery in Nigeria, which is running beyond capacity now, demonstrating our capability to execute a $19 billion EPCM project in a challenging market. This project helped establish our credibility in the Middle East, where Aramco is now one of our new clients. We also have a strong partnership with ADNOC. Last year, we were upgraded to Tier 1 consultants at ADIPEC, which opened the door to bid for and win new contracts.
You also mentioned EIL’s growing involvement in infrastructure and data centres. How do these areas support your future vision and strategy?
Clients look for partners who are responsible, technically competent, and have diverse skills - that’s what sets us apart. We also have an R&D division and specialist teams, which add immense value in infrastructure and data centre projects. Data centres require blast-proof enclosures, HVAC systems, and energy-efficient designs - all areas we’re highly experienced in through our refinery and petrochemical work. We’re currently completing a 10-megawatt data centre, expected to be finished within two months. Additionally, we recently signed a contract to execute four 4,650 TPD urea trains which are the world’s largest, in Nigeria.
How do you see the road leading up to India Energy Week 2026?
We’ve been able to come face-to-face with our key equipment suppliers, helping us promote Make in India and expedite ongoing projects. The LNG landscape is evolving rapidly, with several FIDs being announced globally. We’ve executed LNG liquefaction projects in Algeria and re-gas facilities in India, and we’re expanding our services further into this sector.
