India is set to enhance its energy infrastructure with the planned expansion of its natural gas pipeline network by 10,805 km.
The expansion of natural gas pipeline network will increase the total network to 35,750 km, ensuring the completion of the national gas grid.
The initiative, as outlined by the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, aims to provide equitable access to natural gas across the nation.
Progress in Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme
The ethanol blended petrol programme is making significant strides, with a target of 20 percent ethanol blending by 2025.
As of December 2024, the ethanol blending has already reached 16.23 percent, an increase from 14.60 percent in the previous year.
Over the past decade, the initiative has successfully reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 557 lakh tonnes.
Compressed Bio-Gas and Mandatory Blending
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has made progress under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative. It has commissioned 80 compressed bio-gas (CBG) plants, with 72 more currently under construction.
Starting in FY26, the blending of CBG in compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) will become mandatory.
The company will initially set the blending at 1 percent, with plans to increase it to 5 percent by FY 2028-29.
Increase in Refining Capacity
Experts project that India’s refining capacity will grow from 256.8 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) to 309.5 MMTPA by 2028.
This growth will be driven by upgrades at 11 public sector refineries. Additionally, new greenfield projects will contribute to the country’s ability to meet its future energy demands.
Boost in Domestic Natural Gas Production
Domestic natural gas production in India has seen a notable increase. It rose from 34.45 billion cubic meters (BCM) in FY 2022-23 to 36.44 BCM in FY 2023-24.
This growth highlights the country’s efforts to boost self-sufficiency in natural gas production.
Advancements in Hydrocarbon Exploration
In FY 2024, India made progress in hydrocarbon exploration. It recorded 13 discoveries under the Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) and 12 more under other regimes.
As reported by projectstoday.com, these discoveries signal continued development in India’s energy exploration sector.
