Press Releases

[New Delhi, February 24, 2005]

GAIL in direction of Gas Hydrate exploration in Goa
(Sl. No. ND/CC/05/19)

GAIL is actively participating in the Gas Hydrate projects under National Gas Hydrate Programme (NGHP). The company is also utilizing the expertise of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa since 1996 and is engaged in carrying out multidisciplinary R & D works in the field of Oceanography and Gas Hydrates. The two companies have signed Memorandum of Understanding for Gas Hydrate Exploration and Exploitation in Indian Offshore areas.

National Institute of Oceanography has conducted geo-scientific investigation for Gas Hydrates in Offshore Goa, which is looked after by GAIL under the aegis of NGHP. Based on the results of geo-scientific investigation, NIO has recommended for site survey where next stage of Gas Hydrates exploration will be commenced. NIO has already lined up the survey vessel, and likely to mobilize in west coast Goa by end of March 2005.

Gas Hydrates are ice like crystalline compound consisting of natural gas (mainly methane) and water and occur at conditions of high pressure and low temperature. Gas Hydrates occur in sedimentary deposits under certain conditions of pressure and temperature in permafrost region and beneath the sea in outer continental margins. One cubic meter of gas hydrates is equivalent to 164 cubic meter of methane at standard temperature conditions. Once their resource potential is identified, it can become a good source of natural gas to the country. There are many technical challenges still to be resolved in gas hydrate exploration. GAIL is playing an active role in the area of Gas Hydrates and has deputed scientist to NRC Canada for carrying out advanced work in laboratory studies of Gas Hydrates.

There are good opportunities to combine the experience of GAIL & NIO in areas of cooperation in various projects. Under the MoU, a joint working group will be set up to discuss and finalize specific projects related to Exploration and Exploitation of Gas Hydrate. The joint working group with details of deliverables, timelines and funding schedule will evaluate projects proposals on gas hydrate.