PAN IIT - ONGC collaborative pact in hydrocarbons, energy inked

The public sector Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have inked a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to enhance exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons and alternate sources of energy.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday evening at the Claridges Hotel in the national capital.

The IITs and the ONGC have agreed to develop indigenous technologies, engage in sustained research and capacity building aimed at a multi-pronged approach, and transform their experiential based learning in this core sector.

The programme will be funded by the ONGC and shall take advantage of the available infrastructure and manpower of the IITs and ONGC.

So far, seven thematic areas namely (i) Geological and Geophysical studies (ii) Reservoir characterization, modeling and simulation (iii) Oil and Gas Production and Recovery Enhancement (iv) Software Development (v) Unconventional Energy Resources (vi) Engineering solutions/tools and technology development and (vii) Alternate Energy researches have been identified by both.

Sub-topics have also been identified in each of these areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Irani said such initiatives further demonstrate India's collective determination to realize its full potential to be a true global leader.

She said her ministry will promote similar industry - academia linkages on a large scale and will also facilitate engagement of adjunct faculty.

Pradhan termed the new initiative as quite exciting for the nation's hydrocarbon industry. He said knowledge of theoretical aspects is available with IITs while the knowledge of practical aspects of energy business resides with ONGC. He welcomed the partnership for excellence through research and development.