ONGC & IITs join hands to develop technologies for hydrocarbons & energy

Responding to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, ONGC and the IITs have signed a memorandum of collaboration (MoC) for jointly developing technologies in energy sector. As per the agreement, ONGC and the IITs have agreed to work towards a collective R&D programme for developing indigenous technologies to enhance exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons and alternate sources of energy.
 
This is a long-term initiative for sustained research, development and capacity building aimed at a multi-pronged approach that will help foster research capability and transform experiential based learning in this core sector. The programme will be funded by ONGC and will take advantage of the available infrastructure and manpower of the IITs and ONGC.
 
The programme has identified seven initial thematic areas namely geological & geophysical studies; reservoir characterisation, modelling & simulation; oil & gas production & recovery enhancement; software development; unconventional energy resources; engineering solutions/tools & technology development; and alternate energy researches.
 
MoC was signed in New Delhi on January 19, 2015, in the presence of the Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Smriti Irani, and the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan.
 
Smriti Irani said, “Such initiatives further demonstrate India’s collective determination to realise full potential of our inherent strengths for making the country a true global leader. The Ministry of Human Resource Development will promote similar industry – academia linkages on a large scale and will also facilitate engagement of adjunct faculty.”
 
Terming the new initiative as quite exciting for the entire hydrocarbon industry of the country, Dharmenra Pradhan said, “Knowledge of theoretical aspects is available with IITs while the knowledge of practical aspects of energy business resides with ONGC.”