Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 4: State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is set to launch its first full-scale Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) pilot by storing captured carbon dioxide in depleted wells at the Gandhar oilfield in Gujarat, marking a significant step in its decarbonisation journey.

Under the pilot, ONGC will inject around 100 tonnes of CO2 per day into two abandoned onshore wells, using subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs for long-term storage. The CO2 will be captured from nearby industrial units in the Dahej region and ONGC’s Hazira plant, transported to Gandhar, and injected underground to prevent atmospheric release.

Officials said the project will also assess the use of CO2 for enhanced oil recovery, converting a greenhouse gas into a productive input. Depleted reservoirs like Gandhar offer suitable geological conditions and allow the use of existing infrastructure, making them ideal for such projects.

The initiative aligns with India’s climate commitments, including reducing emissions intensity and achieving net-zero status by 2070. ONGC plans to appoint a specialised CCUS consultant to provide technical, regulatory and feasibility support, ensuring safe implementation.

The pilot is expected to demonstrate scalability, support decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors, and contribute to enhanced oil recovery and future blue hydrogen production. ONGC has earmarked USD 12 billion for carbon capture and energy transition projects, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions across its core operations by 2038.