ONGC to set up Rs. 10,000 crore gas processing plant in Maharashtra

State-run oil company ONGC is setting up an integrated gas processing plant in Maharashtra with an investment of nearly Rs. 10,000 crore.

According to a senior ONGC official, the plant will have processing capacity of 10 mmscmd and a 30 megawatt captive power plant as part of the project.

“The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has prescribed Terms of Reference for preparation of the environmental impact assessment report and environment management plan for the gas processing plant,” the official told PTI.

“Experts Appraisal Committee also said the draft environmental impact assessment report should be submitted to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board for public hearing,” the official said.

A site near Kelwa- Mahim has been selected, based on a study of four alternative sites. “Cost of the project is expected to be Rs. 9,980 crore,” the official added.

In case of non-availability of fresh water from surface water for the project, the oil and gas major may also think of setting up a desalination plant with an output of 14000 m3/day, the official indicated.

ONGC, which is in the process of setting up a 2200 megawatt gas-based combined cycle thermal in the same area, was recently advised by the MoEF to approach the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Power for necessary clearances as the country witnesses a worse scenario as far as gas availability is concerned.

ONGC currently has two gas processing plants at Hazira in Gujarat and Uran near Mumbai.

While the Gas Processing Complex Hazira Plant at Surat processes only gas, Uran plant can handle both gas and oil, the official explained, adding that it will take nearly one year to get all the necessary permissions.

ONGC has indicated the assured gas supply from C-24 field and B-12 fields in Tapti Daman Block of Western Offshore Basin for the upcoming project in Maharashtra.