The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited’s (ONGC) R&D arm, OECT, has signed an agreement with Engineers India Limited (EIL) to set up a Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant at ONGC’s Kuthalam Gas Collection Station in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Asset. The agreement, worth ₹39.42 crore (excluding GST), is expected to be completed within 18 months.
Why Helium Recovery Matters
Helium is a critical resource with wide applications in space exploration, semiconductor manufacturing, cryogenics, fiber optics, and advanced medical technologies. India currently depends on imports to meet its helium demand. ONGC said that developing domestic capacity is strategically important for technological progress and energy security.
Project Scope and Technology
The project will involve the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR), Basic Engineering Design Package (BEDP), and execution through an EPCM and Supply model. This includes design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and performance testing. The plant will be based on a technology package developed by CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) and will recover Grade-A helium with 99.995% purity from natural gas.
Capacity and Performance
The demonstration plant will process 750 Nm³/hr of natural gas and has been designed with the flexibility to run at up to 110% of its design capacity. This marks the first project of its kind in India, combining the expertise of OECT and EIL in advanced energy solutions.
Strategic Impact
ONGC said the Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant represents a major milestone in its “Energy Now and Next” mission, combining research innovation with industrial application. The project is expected to reduce dependence on imports, boost indigenous capabilities in high-value gases, and align with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
