ONGC's Bold Move: Mini-LNG Plants to Tap Stranded Gas

ONGC plans to set up mini-LNG plants at five sites in India to harness stranded natural gas. This initiative involves supercooling the gas to LNG, transporting it via cryogenic trucks, and then reinjecting it into the distribution grid. The plan aims to optimize domestic supplies and decrease import reliance.

State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is making strides toward enhancing domestic natural gas production by unveiling plans for mini-LNG plants. These facilities will be set up at five locations in India, including sites in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gujarat.

The mini-plants will convert stranded natural gas into liquefied natural gas (LNG) by cooling it to minus 160 degrees Celsius. The LNG will then be transported on cryogenic trucks to nearby pipelines where it's reconverted to a gaseous state for distribution, fulfilling the energy needs of power plants, fertilizer units, and city gas retailers.

This strategic move not only addresses the challenge of stranded gas from non-pipeline-connected wells but also underscores ONGC's commitment to bolstering India's energy independence by reducing reliance on imports through increased domestic production.

(With inputs from agencies.)