India plans to increase its use of natural gas to help reduce pollution and support a greener future. By 2030, the country aims to raise the share of gas in its energy mix from about 6% now to 15%. This move is part of India’s wider effort to cut carbon emissions and promote cleaner energy sources, said Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri.
Excitingly, India is expanding its LNG (liquefied natural gas) infrastructure. The minister announced on social media that by December, India will add 49 new LNG dispensing stations, on top of the 13 currently operational. This means more places for consumers and industries to access natural gas conveniently.
India is already the world’s fourth-largest importer of LNG, with eight terminals in operation that can handle around 52.7 million tonnes of gas every year. By 2030, the country plans to have 10 LNG terminals with a capacity of 66.7 million tonnes, along with the additional dispensing stations.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, LNG is India’s bridge to a greener, secure future,” Puri emphasized. Increasing the use of natural gas is seen as a key step to make India’s energy sources cleaner and more reliable.
The minister also discussed ongoing efforts to boost India’s oil and gas industry during a recent meeting held in Goa. Topics included ways to improve seismic data collection, offshore drilling, and using the latest technology to make operations more efficient. The goal is also to develop India as a manufacturing hub for exploration and production (E&P) equipment, promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Additionally, discussions focused on expanding India’s shipbuilding capabilities to produce LNG carriers, LPG carriers, and large crude carriers like Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). This development will help support India’s growing energy sector and reduce dependence on foreign ships.
In recent energy partnerships, India signed a 10-year LNG supply deal with Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC Gas last month. This agreement with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) aims to boost LNG supplies from the United Arab Emirates, strengthening India’s energy security.
Overall, India’s push to grow its natural gas infrastructure, increase LNG imports, and local manufacturing highlights its commitment to cleaner energy and a sustainable future.
