New Delhi: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC’s) research arm ONGC Energy Centre Trust (OECT) on Tuesday said it has signed a ₹39.42 crore agreement with Engineers India Ltd (EIL) for setting up a helium recovery demonstration plant at ONGC’s Kuthalam gas collection station in Cauvery Asset, Tamil Nadu.
The project is scheduled to be completed in 18 months. Helium, widely used in space exploration, semiconductor manufacturing, cryogenics, fibre optics and medical technologies, is currently imported to meet India’s demand.
According to the official press release, the agreement, which was signed on August 18, provided for preparation of the detailed project report, basic engineering design package, and execution of the project covering design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and performance testing.
Through the collaboration, OECT and EIL will combine expertise to execute the first such project in the country, added the release.
The plant, based on technology developed by CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum, will recover Grade-A helium of 99.995 per cent purity from natural gas.
ONGC said the initiative will help establish indigenous capability in helium recovery, aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s long-term energy and technology security.
