PPL Unveils Center of Excellence at UET Lahore to Bolster Energy Research

LAHORE: Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has inaugurated a new Center of Excellence for Research, Development, and Training at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) in Lahore. The initiative, funded by PPL under its Corporate Social Responsibility program, aims to enhance technical expertise and research capacity in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector.

According to a statement by Pakistan Petroleum Limited, the center was officially opened by Imran Abbasy, Managing Director and CEO of PPL, in a ceremony attended by university officials, industry leaders, and students. The event featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Mr. Abbasy, alongside Professor Dr. Shahid Munir, Vice Chancellor of UET Lahore.

The center is supported by a PKR 51.1 million grant from PPL, allocated over three years from 2022 to 2025. This funding facilitated the construction, furnishing, and equipping of the facility with advanced simulation and laboratory tools. The initiative represents a significant collaboration between academia and industry, designed to strengthen local expertise in the petroleum sector.

Imran Abbasy highlighted PPL’s dedication to social investment, emphasizing the company’s role as a major corporate donor in Pakistan. He noted that the center will empower youth by providing research, training, and innovation opportunities domestically.

The Center of Excellence, the first of its kind in Pakistan’s petroleum sector, will offer free technical training to PPL staff and other industry professionals, conduct research in exploration and production, and host conferences and seminars. It will also support internal research and development projects, such as production optimization and shale gas studies.

Dr. Shahid Munir, Vice Chancellor of UET, reiterated the university’s commitment to aligning its academic programs with industry needs, stating that the center is a significant step in preparing students with practical expertise. The inauguration of the center is seen as a pivotal development in enhancing Pakistan’s energy innovation and sustainable growth capabilities.