By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : August 19, 2025 12:57 pm
The total agreement value is Rs. 39.42 crore, with the project scheduled for completion within 18 months
ONGC Energy Centre Trust (OECT), the research and development arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), has entered into a formal agreement with Engineers India Limited (EIL) on 18 August 2025 for the implementation of a Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant at ONGC's Kuthalam Gas Collection Station in Cauvery Asset, Tamil Nadu.
The agreement encompasses the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), Basic Engineering Design Package (BEDP), and execution of the project through an EPCM and Supply model covering design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and performance testing.
This project, based on the technology package developed by CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), seeks to recover Grade-A Helium of 99.995% purity from natural gas. The demonstration plant will process 750 Nm³/hr of natural gas and is designed with flexibility to operate at 110% of the design capacity.
The total agreement value is Rs. 39.42 crore (plus applicable GST), with the project scheduled for completion within 18 months.
Helium, a critical resource with applications in space exploration, semiconductor manufacturing, cryogenics, fibre optics, and medical technologies, is presently imported to meet India's requirements. Establishing indigenous capability in Helium recovery is therefore of strategic importance for the country's technological advancement and energy security.
The Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant represents a significant milestone in ONGC's journey towards building indigenous capabilities in high-value gases. This initiative strengthens the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat while contributing to India's long-term energy and technology security.
Through this collaboration, OECT and EIL will combine their expertise to execute a first-of-its-kind project in India, reinforcing ONGC's commitment to Energy Now and Next by integrating cutting-edge research with practical industrial application.