Guwahati, Feb 26: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri expressed optimism that Assam would play a bigger role in the country’s energy security framework.

Speaking at the “Unlocking Assam’s Energy Potential: Building Future-Ready Oil and Gas Infrastructure, Innovation, and Investment Aligned with Global Energy Transitions” at Advantage Assam 2.0, the union minister shed light on key policy frameworks such as the Oilfield Regulation & Development Act and Open Acreage Licensing Policy. He also reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to further boosting the state’s energy sector.

Assam remains a key player in India’s energy sector, with vast hydrocarbon reserves and a skilled workforce. The State’s oil and gas potential extending to neighbouring regions served as a stimulus for the development of the state. Assam has 12% of the country’s natural gas reserves and produces half of India’s onshore natural gas. With four operational refineries and a combined refining capacity of 7.45 million metric tonnes (MMT), Assam ensures a consistent supply of energy to fuel the nation.

The session dwelled upon Assam’s strategic initiatives in the oil and gas sector with a special focus on energy infrastructure development, innovation, and investment opportunities in tandem with global energy shifts.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said Assam has played a pioneering role in the forward march of India’s oil industry which gained momentum in the late 19th century. Assam remains a key player in India’s energy sector, with four operational refineries and a combined refining capacity of 7.45 million metric tonnes (MMT).

The State’s retail network includes 1,180 outlets, and its annual LPG consumption stands at a significant 0.5 MMT. Major players in the petrochemical sector, such as Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL), Assam Petro-chemicals Limited (APL), and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), also contribute substantially to state revenues, with royalties and taxes amounting to over INR 11,700 crore annually.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the horizon for Assam’s hydrocarbon sector is promising and in 2030, crude oil availability is projected to double, and natural gas production is set to increase from 3.2 to 6.3 billion cubic meters (BCM).

He also spoke about developments in BCPL and NRL and the capacity expansion of the refineries that signify Assam’s emergence as a petrochemical hub, fostering both industrial growth and job creation. The Chief Minister said that under the visionary “Hydrocarbon Vision 2030,” Assam is witnessing significant infrastructural advancements.

Projects like the Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline (BGPL) are connecting Assam to the national gas grid and the 1,670 km North East Gas Grid (NEGG) is promoting regional connectivity, ensuring seamless energy distribution. The City Gas Distribution (CGD) network is expanding rapidly, with 22 CNG stations across the state, promoting clean energy adoption among citizens, he added.

Chief Minister Dr. Sarma stated that Oil India Limited (OIL) has commissioned India’s first Green Hydrogen plant in Jorhat, producing 10 kilograms per day using solar power. Moreover, collaborative efforts between IIT Guwahati and OIL are furthering research in this field, with plans to integrate green hydrogen into transportation and industrial sectors.

He said the state presents a wealth of upstream and downstream investment opportunities. The energy transition space is equally promising, with avenues in green hydrogen, green ammonia, sustainable aviation fuels, compressed biogas and smart chemicals, he added.

The Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to lend his help in the capacity expansion of Bongaigaon Refinery.

Read: Centre’s ₹4,800 crore investment to transform Assam’s inland waterways

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