ONGC gets nod for making impact report on gas project

MoEF clears ToRs for gas-based power project; 2,200 MW project entails an investment of Rs 9,900 cr, gas to be procured from western offshore basin

Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the integrated petroleum major has received a major boost as the experts appraisal committee of the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) has cleared its terms of references (ToR) for the 2,200 MW gas based project in Maharashtra. The project entails an investment of Rs 9,900 crore (Rs 4.5 crore per MW). This is the second gas based project proposed by ONGC after its 726 MW Tripura which is up and running.

MoEF has issued letter of approval of ToR on May 9 for preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and Environment Management Plan (EMP). Experts Appraisal Committee had recommended for approval of ToRs for the proposed project at its meeting held on March 26, 2012. While, the developers of gas based projects are finding it difficult to pursue their plans for want of fuel, ONGC has indicated the assured gas supply from C-24 field and B-12 fields in Tapti Daman Block of Western Offshore Basin for the upcoming project in Maharashtra.

ONGC spokesperson told Business Standard "For 2200 MW of project nearly 5 to 6 million metric standard cubic meter per day (mmscmd) of gas will be required.  ONGC is pursuing to set up a Gas Processing Plant, Value Added Product (VAP) Plant, Combined Cycle Power Plant and Residential Complex at new landfall point onshore terminal in Palghar Taluka, District Thane, Maharashtra for handling the gas planned to be produced from additional development of C-24 field and development of B-12 fields in Tapti Daman Block of Western Offshore Basin." He informed that the lean gas from the Gas Processing plant after extraction of the VAP is proposed to be utilized for generation of power.

He admitted that  the fuel linkage is essential requirement for environmental clearance for any power project, for this reason EAC has suggested ONGC to obtain clearance from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Ministry of Power for gas allocation.  "ONGC will approach Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas  for allocation of gas for the proposed project," he informed," he said.

As far as the availability of 600 hectare of land, a state government official said the government will be facilitator in the acquisition of private land under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.