What's Happening?
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is launching its first full-scale Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) pilot project at the Gandhar oilfield in Gujarat, India. This initiative involves storing captured
carbon dioxide (CO2) in depleted wells, using two abandoned onshore wells to inject approximately 100 tonnes of CO2 per day into subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs. The CO2 will be sourced from nearby industrial sites and ONGC's Hazira plant, aiming to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. The project also explores the potential of using CO2 to enhance oil recovery, turning a greenhouse gas into a productive resource. This pilot is part of ONGC's broader decarbonization strategy, which includes a $12 billion investment in carbon capture and energy transition projects.
Why It's Important?
This project is significant as it represents a critical step in India's efforts to reduce carbon emissions, particularly in hard-to-abate industrial sectors where emissions cannot be eliminated through electrification alone. As the third-largest emitter of CO2 globally, India's commitment to reducing emissions by 50% by 2050 and achieving net zero by 2070 is crucial. The CCS pilot not only aims to mitigate environmental impact but also seeks to enhance oilfield productivity and produce blue hydrogen, offering both immediate operational gains and long-term strategic value for India's energy transition. The initiative underscores the importance of innovative solutions in addressing climate change and enhancing energy security.
What's Next?
ONGC plans to engage a specialized CCS consultant to provide technical advisory, regulatory guidance, and detailed feasibility studies to ensure the safe and effective implementation of the project. The pilot will demonstrate the scalability of CCS technology and its integrated approach to decarbonizing industrial sectors. Additionally, ONGC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shell to cooperate in CCS studies, focusing on joint CO2 storage and enhanced oil recovery assessments. The success of this pilot could pave the way for broader adoption of CCS technologies in India and potentially influence global energy transition strategies.
