Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.

In a major boost to integrated petroleum major, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the experts appraisal committee of the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) have approved company’s terms of references (ToR) for the 2,200 MW gas based project in Maharashtra. The project, which requires an investment of Rs 9,900 crore, is the second gas based project proposed by ONGC after its 726 MW Tripura which is currently ongoing.

While, the expert’s appraisal committee had recommended for approval of ToR’s for the proposed project at its meeting held on March 26, 2012, MoEF, on May 9, issued letter of approval of ToR to the company for preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and Environment Management Plan (EMP).

However, the developers of gas based projects find the supply of the fuel to be bit of an issue given that the project nearly requires 5 to 6 million metric standard cubic meter per day (mmscmd) of gas. Nevertheless, the company is planning to set up a Gas Processing Plant, Value Added Product (VAP) Plant, Combined Cycle Power Plant and Residential Complex at landfall point onshore terminal in Palghar Taluka, District Thane and Maharashtra.