NGS’ NG/LNG SNAPSHOT Oct 1-15, 2024
National News Internatonal News
NATIONAL NEWS
City Gas Distribution & Auto LPG
AG&P inaugurates 17th CNG station in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
In a recent development, AG&P Pratham has inaugurated its 17th compressed natural gas (CNG) station at Tada in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. The station would cater to the fuel requirements of people on Chennai-Vijayawada highway and travelling towards Sri City.
SHOW MORE
AG&P Pratham holds 25-year exclusive rights from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to develop city gas distribution (CGD) infrastructure and supply gas in more than 278,000 square km area across its authorised geographical areas (GA).
show less
Mahanagar Gas to take CNG stations to over 400 this fiscal, says MD Ashu Shinghal
Over 70% of the company’s revenue comes from the CNG segment, where it sees considerable potential given the thrust on non-polluting fuels, Shinghal says
Mahanagar Gas, a major player in the CNG and piped natural gas segments, has major growth plans taking the total number of gas stations to over 400 in the current fiscal year, Managing Director Ashu Shinghal told businessline in an interview.
SHOW MORE
Over 70 per cent of its revenue comes from the CNG segment, where it sees considerable potential given the thrust on non-polluting fuels.
The company has applied for extension of infrastructure exclusivity in Geographical Area 1 (GA1), that is greater Mumbai, which expired in 2020. While a significant portion of growth is expected to come from GA3, that is Raigad, it is also expecting other GAs to grow, as its boosts network infrastructure.
Q A good part of your growth will be from Geographical Area 3 (GA3) in the future. Could you provide the details of your expansion and growth plans?
This is partially correct because growth in GA 3 is on a low base. If you talk about total volumes, the sales volume in GA 3 is comparatively lower as compared to GA 1 and GA 2. In absolute numbers GA 2 will be also growing at a faster pace in terms of absolute numbers. We are also creating a lot of infrastructure. Last year we added 36 CNG stations.
This year we plan to add 45-50 stations. Another 30 stations we are planning for Unison Enviro (UEPL), which we acquired. So effectively, on a total head count of around 310 stations, we will be adding another 80 stations. So, we will have more than 400 stations this year, which is a substantial addition in a single year.
Coming to other infrastructure, we have provided 3.3 lakh domestic connections last year, the highest by any city gas distribution (CGD) entity in the country. On both industrial and commercial, we have clocked around 12 per cent growth. So that is a number which we think will keep on this year. Also, we expect more than 10 per cent growth in industrial and commercial.
The CNG segment was positive in Q1 of this year compared to Q4 of last year, we have seen growth of 3-4 per cent. The profitability is okay, the EBITDA margins are comfortable, the prices of CNG and PNG are lowest in the country by MGL.
Q Any details on specific projects where you are involved?
We are planning to put up a CBG (compressed bio-gas) station with BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation). We have a joint venture company for LNG retail outlets with Baidyanath LNG. Also, we have an equity investment in electric vehicle manufacturing company 3ev.
Further, we are exploring some more opportunities, which we will disclose as and when they ripen. Our focus is to expand on the core business, which is CNG, PNG and industrial and commercial segments. We are diversifying and taking environmentally friendly steps like CBG.
Q In GA1, the infrastructure exclusivity has expired. How will that affect you and what steps are you taking?
We have applied to the regulator for extending the infrastructure exclusivity for another ten years. And there’s precedence in Gujarat Gas which had their infrastructure exclusivity extended for ten years, and now they have again applied for another ten years extension.
If we see globally in case of infrastructure exclusivity, there is no case where, in a single geographical area, there are two entities building the infrastructure. So, it is always that one company will build the infrastructure and marketing exclusivity means that others can use a part of that infrastructure and pay the tariff for that use.
So, our interests are protected even if the marketing exclusivity ends because they will be paying tariff for the usage as well as they have to be competitive. We also get an opportunity to use other companies’ geographical areas for marketing our gas.
Q You get most of your revenues from CNG. What are your plans with respect to piped natural gas because you have leadership in that segment in Maharashtra?
Not only in Maharashtra, but we are also highest in the country in terms of number of connections done by any CGD entities in domestic PNG segment. It’s a good segment for us and we are expanding.
We also want to bring piped gas to maximum homes wherever it is feasible. The domestic piped gas segment customer is sticky, and we value it. We also supply PNG to industrial and commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and other industries.
Industrial and commercial growth is 12 per cent and this year we expect more than 10 per cent growth in this. In the domestic PNG segment we see a growth of around 5 per cent. The per capita consumption is very low compared to the total volumes in PNG. It is a social responsibility because if we spend around ₹25,000 per connection to a household we are allowed as per the regulation to charge only ₹5000. That also is refundable amount.
Q So, the focus will be on CNG?
CNG is a market with more potential because if you see the number of vehicles and the penetration of CNG vehicles penetration in Mumbai and around is maybe around 25 to 30 per cent.
And PNG penetration is more in terms of numbers, maybe it could be around 60 per cent. The main point is that our 70 per cent of our sales is from CNG so that is where we will see the growth.
Q How do you see the pricing – both in terms of procurements and selling price?
We are selling CNG around Rs 75 per kg and PNG at ₹48 per standard cubic metre, both cheapest in the country. Now, the dynamics are like this – we get some domestic gas, and we import LNG. We optimize on the procurement cost so that customers are not burdened.
We have taken several steps in last few years to make sure that the procurement cost is at optimal level. The flip side is that domestic gas is reducing and the consumption by CGD entities is increasing as more infrastructure is getting created. So that means the pro rata reduction is there in the domestic gas allocation to each CGD entity and therefore our procurement cost goes up because the other gas which is available is costlier than the domestic APM gas which is allocated to the CGD entities.
So as and when we find that there is some increase in domestic gas prices or in the procurement cost of LNG, we have to pass on certain portion of it to the customer. But we always try to make it less variable by absorbing some of it.
show less
Bharat Petroleum Unveils Game-Changing Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove
New Delhi: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a ‘Maharatna’ and a Fortune Global 500 Company today launched its high-efficiency Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove. Set to be the world’s most efficient PNG Stove, it will reduce PNG consumption up to 20 – 25% in comparison to conventional stoves. The high efficiency of Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove will significantly reduce the import of natural gas thus saving FOREX. Further, the state-of-the-art innovation would contribute significantly to net-zero goals by reducing the CO2 emissions.
SHOW MORE
Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove comes with high thermal efficiency of more than 74% plus, making it 10- 15% higher in efficiency compared to stoves available in the market. The stove, designed for high thermal efficiency, uses cutting-edge technology developed by BPCL’s Corporate R&D Centre (CRDC), a premier research institution in the country, to enhance value for customers.
On the successful launch of the high-efficiency PNG Stove, Mr. Chandrashekhar N, Head (R&D) said, “CRDC has continued to evolve new core competencies and demonstrated a history of developing top-notch products, improved processes and unique analytical tools. Keeping the legacy in line, CRDC has worked and optimized the product design of all the crucial components, including the burner top, mixing tube and pan support. As a result, Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove demonstrates an unprecedented efficiency of 74%, forming yet another indigenous product from CRDC, BPCL. We, as a team, are committed to exploring all promising new horizons for sustained growth of the Corporation and benefiting the nation, in coming years.”
Shr. Akshay Wadhwa, Business Head (Gas) said, “Presently, the number of PNG connections in the country is 1.4 Cr, which is expected to increase nearly 8 times by 2030. BPCL is aggressively expanding its PNG network and aspires to make PNG available at 1 crore plus household, thereby contributing significantly towards transforming to a gas-based economy, we also intend to make this great innovation of highly efficient Bharat Hi-Star PNG Stove, available across the country through our distribution network.”
Senior officials from (LPG) added, “The Bharat Hi-Star PNG stove will be rolled out under Beyond LPG project. The product has 4 variants viz. 2 Burner Stainless Still, 2 Burner Glass Top, 3 Burner Glass top and 4 burner glass top. It will be available at selected Bharatgas distributors in the Gas GAs of the country”.
The company has filed a patent application at Indian Patent Office for the stove. An average household consumes nearly 180 – 200 SCM of natural gas per annum. A 15% jump in the efficiency will save 30 SCM of gas per annum which translates to monetary savings of about INR 1500 – 2000 / household and equivalent carbon emissions from combustion. The benefits will be more in case replacement of old stoves.India is predicted to become a gas-based economy. The natural gas contribution in India’s energy basket will be increased from 6% at present to 15% by 2030. In quantitative terms, natural gas consumption will be almost tripled to reach 450 MMSCMD by 2030 from current 175 MMSCMD.
BPCL has signed technology licensing agreement with M/s. Stufa Manufacturing Enterprise (Suryaflame) for commercial manufacturing and product will be available to your nearest Bharatgas distributor.
CRDC is actively involved in advanced research areas such as crude oil evaluation, oil refining catalyst development, eco-friendly lubricants, process simulation and modelling, anti-corrosion research, bitumen-related areas, novel energy-efficient technologies, alternative energy, biofuels, niche polymers and petrochemicals, product development, etc. Sustainability is at the heart of Bharat Petroleum and in this onward momentum to increasingly embrace clean and carbon neutral energy, CRDC has extensive programs for Biofuels, Solar, Hydrogen and Carbon Capture.
Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.
Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 22,000+ Fuel Stations, over 6,250 LPG distributorships, 525 Lubes distributorships, 123 POL storage locations, 54 LPG Bottling Plants, 63 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 4 cross-country pipelines as on 31.08.2024.
Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has chalked out the plan to offer electric vehicle charging stations at around 7000 Fuel Stations over next 5 years.
With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.
https://www.psuconnect.in/news/bharat-petroleum-unveils-game-changing-bharat-hi-star-png-stove/44473
show less
Natural Gas/ Pipelines/ Company News
Suresh John David Takes Charge as GM of NTPC Kawas
Surat : Suresh John David has officially assumed the position of General Manager and Head of Project (HOP) at NTPC Kawas Station, effective October 5, 2024. Prior to this appointment, he served as General Manager in the Operation & Maintenance Department at NTPC Simhadri.
SHOW MORE
With a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Kerala University, Trivandrum, David began his career at NTPC on August 31, 1988, as an Executive Trainee. Over his distinguished 36-year career, he has held key positions across multiple NTPC sites, including Ramagundam, Kayamkulam, Korba, and Simhadri. He also contributed to the Indian Railway Electricity Company Limited.
NTPC Kawas is located at Aditya Nagar, Hazira in Surat district in Gujarat. The power plant is the gas-based combined cycle power plants of NTPC. The gas for the power plant is sourced from GAIL HBJ Pipeline – South Basin Gas field. Source of water for the power plant is Hazira Branch Canal Singanpur Weir.
David’s extensive experience and expertise in power plant management make him a valuable addition to NTPC Kawas, where he will be leading the station’s operations and future projects. His appointment is expected to bolster the station’s performance as it continues to play a critical role in Gujarat’s energy sector.
https://theblunttimes.in/suresh-john-david-takes-charge-as-gm-of-ntpc-kawas/44225/
show less
GAIL Partners with AM Green to Explore Hybrid Renewable Energy Projects in India
Indian state-owned energy company GAIL has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AM Green (AMG), a producer of green gases, to investigate the establishment of 2.5GW of hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind projects throughout India. The collaboration aims to conduct studies for a long-term supply of approximately 350,000 metric tonnes per annum of carbon dioxide (CO2), generated by GAIL’s gas processing facilities. This CO2 is intended for the production of eMethanol, an environmentally friendly fuel that supports carbon emissions reduction and a circular economy.
SHOW MORE
Rajeev Singhal, GAIL’s director of business development, emphasized the importance of renewable energy projects in mitigating India’s carbon footprint. “By facilitating the supply of CO2 for eMethanol production, we are proactively addressing carbon emissions and fostering alternative fuel development,” he stated. He highlighted that this partnership aligns with the nation’s transition toward greener energy solutions.
Furthermore, GAIL has the option to invest in the proposed eMethanol project, which marks a strategic partnership aimed at promoting sustainable energy initiatives. The hybrid solar PV and wind projects will be complemented by Greenko Group’s upcoming pumped hydro energy storage projects, totaling 3.3GW, providing round-the-clock power to end users, including the eMethanol initiative.
AM Green, a subsidiary of the Greenko Group, aspires to become one of the most competitive producers of green hydrogen, green ammonia, and other green molecules globally. With a target of producing five million tonnes of green ammonia by 2030, translating to approximately one million tonnes of green hydrogen, AM Green is positioning itself as a leader in the clean energy transition.
Mahesh Kolli, group president of AM Green, remarked that the partnership aligns with India’s goal to emerge as a key exporter of green molecules for industrial decarbonization. “This collaboration underscores AM Green’s commitment to providing reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective green solutions, aiding in the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors such as shipping, steel, and cement,” Kolli concluded.
show less
GAIL and AMG enter into a 2.5 GW renewable energy agreement
GAIL India Limited and AM Green (AMG) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop solar-wind hybrid renewable energy projects in India, with a capacity of up to 2.5 GW.
SHOW MORE
This agreement also includes a study on how to use about 350 kilotonnes of CO2 produced by GAIL at its gas processing plants. The CO2 will be used to create eMethanol from renewable energy. The solar-wind hybrid projects will include energy storage systems to provide power at all times. This power will support the production of eMethanol by AMG and other operations.
https://powerline.net.in/2024/10/08/gail-and-amg-enter-into-a-2-5-gw-renewable-energy-agreement/
show less
EIL and GAIL achieve major milestone
Engineers India Limited and GAIL (India) achieved a major milestone at the Dobhi Durgapur Haldia Pipeline (DDHPL) Project by completing Fifteen million LTI-free man-hours.
New Delhi: Engineers India Limited and GAIL (India) achieved a major milestone at the Dobhi Durgapur Haldia Pipeline (DDHPL) Project by completing Fifteen million LTI-free man-hours. On the occasion, a certificate of recognition was presented to the EIL Team posted at the site.
SHOW MORE
Team EIL has implemented several innovative HSE initiatives eg. management talks, listening tours, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) strategies etc. which has enabled the project to achieve this critical milestone. EIL is committed to implementing top HSE practices at its project sites and aims to achieve successful project completion without any loss of time incidents.
https://www.psuconnect.in/news/eil-and-gail-achieve-major-milestone/44682
show less
Suzlon Energy join hands with Jindal Renewables’ SPV for 400 MW captive wind power deal
Suzlon Energy announced that it has partnered with Jindal Renewables’ SPV, JSP Green Wind 1 to lead decarbonisation of steel production. Suzlon Group will contribute to decarbonisation of the hard‐to‐abate sectors by harnessing the power of wind through a significant 400 MW order from JSP Green Wind 1.
SHOW MORE
The company will supply 127 state‐of‐the‐art wind turbine generators (WTGs) with Hybrid Lattice Tubular (HLT) towers, each having a rated capacity of 3.15 MW in the Koppal region of Karnataka.
The power generated will be used for captive consumption in Steel Plants in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, boosting their operational sustainability while advancing India’s green energy goals.
With the said order, the companys cumulative order book stood at nearly 5.4 GW.
Girish Tanti, vice chairman of Suzlon Group, said, “We are proud to partner with the Jindal Group in a bold step towards a low‐carbon future, leveraging wind power to revolutionise steel production. This groundbreaking collaboration not only redefines industrial sustainability but also aligns with India’s 2070 net‐zero vision.
Bharat Saxena, president of Jindal Renewables said, As part of our commitment to cleaner energy solutions, we are taking breakthrough steps to integrate green energy into steelmaking, reducing the groups overall carbon footprint and ensuring long‐term sustainability. This collaboration marks the beginning of a new era in sustainable steel production, enabling us to achieve Groups net zero commitment by 2047.
JP Chalasani, chief executive officer, Suzlon Group, said,Decarbonisation of the steel sector is a critical area that requires intervention if we want to realise Indias renewable energy targets. With two Indian conglomerates joining hands to reassess and empower steelmaking operations, this collaboration is a true testament to Aatmanirbhar Bharat. I am confident thatthis partnership will inspire many industry players to reassess their operations, as we collectively work toward a more sustainable future.
Suzlon Energy is engaged in the business of design, development, manufacturing and supply of wind turbine generators (WTGs). Suzlon Energy (SEL) is India’s largest renewable energy solutions provider with presence in 17 countries across six continents.
The company reported consolidated net profit of Rs 302.29 crore in Q1 FY25, steeply higher than Rs 100.90 crore posted in Q1 FY24. Revenue from operations climbed 49.60% year on year (YoY) to Rs 2,015.98 crore in the quarter ended 30 June 2024.
Shares of Suzlon Energy fell 1.63% to Rs 75.43 on the BSE.
show less
India dominates global natural gas contracts in 2024, cornering 30% of share
Globally, around 50 billion cubic meters (BCM) per year of natural gas contracts were inked with upcoming, or post-Final Investment Decision (FID), projects from January to August 2024, of which India cornered the highest share of 30 per cent.
FID is the final stage in a project, where it is determined whether to proceed with it or close it down. Post-FID refers to projects that have been given the go-ahead and are in various stages of implementation.
SHOW MORE
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) global gas security review and Q4 2024 gas market report, the volume of contracts signed by India with post-FID projects is around 15 BCM annually during January-August in the current calendar year.
“The volume of contracts signed with post-FID projects in the first eight months of 2024 was 50 BCM per year, representing a 65 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2023. Buyers in Asian countries accounted for 56 per cent of the volumes contracted, with India signing the highest proportion (30 per cent) by country,” the IEA said.
On the export side, the Middle East accounted for the highest share of contract volumes signed in the first eight months of 2024 (56 per cent or 28 BCM per year), a similar trend to 2023. By country, Qatar showed the highest share (42 per cent or 21 BCM per year), it added.
“On the import side, Asia accounted for the highest share of contract volumes signed in the first eight months in 2024 (56 per cent or 28 BCM per year). India accounted for a high proportion (30 per cent or 15 BCM per year), representing the largest share by country. China accounted for 1 BCM per year, decreasing by around 90 per cent compared with the same period in 2023,” the report added.
For instance, last month, state-run Indian Oil Corporation (IoCL) signed a 15-year agreement with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to supply 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the third such contract signed in just over a year. IoCL and state-run GAIL previously signed long-term agreements for 1.2 MTPA and 0.5 MTPA, respectively, with ADNOC.
The IEA report noted that India’s strong demand growth was supported by a 5 per cent increase in domestic production and a 25 per cent surge in liquefied natural gas (LNG) inflows.
India’s LNG imports approached 3.5 BCM per month between May and July 2024, a level not seen since the 2020 LNG price collapse. This LNG surge was driven by increased gas-fired power generation amid high temperatures and delays in domestic gas production, supported by relatively low spot prices in H1.
India’s total gas demand in 2024 is expected to increase by nearly 9 per cent Y-o-Y, driven by the country’s growing energy needs and rapid economic expansion, supported by an 18 per cent overall rise in LNG imports.
Similarly healthy growth of 8 per cent Y-o-Y is projected for 2025, with most of the growth coming from the industrial sector and, to a lesser extent, a continued rise in power sector gas burn. The possible inclusion of natural gas in India’s goods and services tax (GST) regime could lower prices for industry and consumers, presenting further upside for 2025 consumption growth. A decision on GST is expected by the end of March 2025.
show less
IGL holds its 25th Annual General Meeting, announces record financial figures for FY24
New Delhi: Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL), the largest CNG distribution company of India announced record numbers in all dimensions of its business during the financial year 2023-24. In line with the massive push by the government to expand CNG and PNG infrastructure across the country, IGL was able to provide over 3.3 lakh new PNG connections in 2023-24 in its areas of operation overcoming various hurdles. In addition to the above, 90 new CNG stations had been set up during this period, thereby taking the total number of CNG stations set up by IGL to 882. This was announced by R K Jain, Chairman, IGL, while addressing the shareholders at the 25th Annual General Meeting of the company in New Delhi today through virtual mode.
SHOW MORE
Addressing the shareholders, Jain informed that during the fiscal, IGL achieved gross turnover of Rs 15,403 crore and PAT was Rs 1,748 crore. The consolidated PAT of IGL after considering the contribution of the Associate Companies namely, Central UP Gas Limited (CUGL) and Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) was Rs 1,983 crore. The net worth of the Company was over Rs 8,552 crore as on March 31, 2024. He added that IGL is confident to better its own performance in the ongoing financial year and the first quarter results bear testimony to that fact.
Jain also gave an overview of future plans of the organization involving consolidation of its presence in existing areas as well as expansion in new geographical areas. Referring to the diversification plans for future growth, he informed that IGL’s new joint venture company, IGL Genesis Technologies Ltd., is expected to start commercial production by December 2024 to manufacture meters as a step towards backward integration.
The shareholders approved the dividend of final dividend of 250 per cent (Rs 5/- per share) besides payment of 200 per cent (Rs. 4 per share) as interim dividend for the FY24 to be paid to shareowners as recommended by the Board of Directors.
show less
Policy Matters/ Gas Pricing/ Others
Bihar govt announces reduction in value-added tax on CNG, PNG by 7.5%
The government also announced the reduction of VAT on PNG, used by industrial units manufacturing goods, from 20 per cent to 5 per cent. The Bihar government on Tuesday announced a reduction in VAT on compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG), used for domestic purposes and motor vehicles, by 7.5 per cent – from 20 to 12.5 per cent – in the state.
SHOW MORE
The government also announced the reduction of VAT on PNG, used by industrial units manufacturing goods, from 20 per cent to 5 per cent.
The decision to this effect was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar here.
Talking to reporters, soon after the cabinet meeting, S Siddharth, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Cabinet Secretariat, said, The state Cabinet approved reduction in VAT on CNG and PNG, used for domestic purposes and motor vehicles, from 20 per cent to 12.5 per cent in the state.
Industrial and business organizations requested the state government to slash the VAT as it is higher than that in neighbouring states, he said.
After consideration, the government decided to reduce it on natural gas sold through the city gas distribution system, the official said.
This decision will not only provide cheap gas to various users but also promote the process of changing from conventional fuel to natural gas, he said adding this will reduce pollution, Siddharth said.
A notification will soon be issued in this regard.
The cabinet also approved a proposal of the state transport department pertaining to the launch of the Mukhyamantri Vahan Chalak Kalyan Yojna-2024′ for the welfare of commercial vehicle drivers who are natives of Bihar and have obtained driving licences from the state.
Under the scheme, commercial vehicle drivers will be insured and will get several other benefits, like training, regular health checkups etc. They will have to first get themselves registered and would be provided unique identification numbers, he said.
In case of fatalities, their next of kin will get financial benefits and other facilities, said the ACS.
Besides, the cabinet approved sanctioning of Rs 10 crore to Hockey India for organising the next Women’s Asian Champions Trophy at Rajgir.
The event is a joint venture between Hockey India and the Bihar Government. It will be held at the newly-developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium from November 11 to November 20, 2024, Siddharth said.
A high level meeting, chaired by Director General of Police Alok Raj also held at Bihar Police headquarters to finalise security arrangements for the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.
Six countries China, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and India are participating in the championship.
show less
Reliance gas price hiked to $10.16, CNG, piped cooking gas rates unchanged
The government on Monday raised the price of natural gas produced from difficult areas like deep sea KG-D6 block of Reliance Industries, marginally to $ 10.16 per million British thermal unit in line with international trends, an official notification said.
However, the price of gas that is used for making CNG for fuelling automobiles or piping to household kitchens for cooking purposes will remain unchanged due to a price cap that is set at 30 per cent less than market rates such as that paid to Reliance.
SHOW MORE
For the six-month period starting October 1, the price of gas from deep sea and high-pressure, high-temperature (HPTP) areas has been raised to $ 10.16 per mmBtu from $ 9.87 per mmBtu during April-September, oil ministry’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) said in a notification.
The increase follows three straight bi-annual reductions in rates for difficult fields. Price was for six months beginning October 1, 2023, slashed 18 per cent to $ 9.96 per mmBtu from $ 12.12 for the April to September 2023 period. Prior to that, the rate was a record $ 12.46 from October 2022 to March 2023.
The government bi-annually fixes prices of the locally-produced natural gas — which is converted into CNG for use in automobiles, piped to household kitchens for cooking and used to generate electricity and make fertilisers.
Two different formulas govern rates paid for gas produced from legacy or old fields of national oil companies like Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) and for newer fields lying in difficult-to-tap areas, such as deep sea.
The ceiling price of gas from difficult fields is fixed on April 1 and October 1 each year.
In April last year, the formula governing legacy fields was changed and indexed to 10 per cent of the prevailing Brent crude oil price. The rate was, however, capped at $ 6.5 per mmBtu.
Rates for legacy fields are now decided on a monthly basis. For October, the price came to $ 7.48 per mmBtu but because of the cap, the producers would get only $ 6.5 per mmBtu, the PPAC said.
The price for difficult area gas continues to be governed by the old formula that takes a one-year average of international LNG prices and rates at some global gas hubs with a lag of one-quarter.
International prices had remained range-bound in 2024 and so it will translate into marginally higher prices for difficult fields starting October.
India is aiming to become a gas-based economy with the share of natural gas in its primary energy mix targeted to rise to 15 per cent by 2030 from the existing level of around 6.3 per cent.
show less
Rajasthan govt signs investment MoUs worth Rs 8 lakh crore
Delhi [India], September 30 (ANI): The investor meet of the upcoming ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment Summit 2024 was successfully held here in the national capital, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.The investor meet facilitated the signing of MoUs worth over Rs 8 lakh crore with Bureau of Industrial Promotion (BIP), the nodal department for organising the investment summit, for making investments in the state.
SHOW MORE
Rajasthan government said that with today’s signing of MoUs in Delhi, the total value of investment MoUs have swelled to over Rs 12.50 lakh crore.The investor meet that saw the congregation of top business leaders and industry groups, witnessed the signing of investment MoUs across a range of sectors such as Renewable Energy, Power Transmissions, Oil and Gas, CNG, Logistics, Cement, Agrotech among others.The companies and industrial groups with whom the MoUs were signed include MoUs signed with Tata Power, Indian Oil, Avaada Group, NHPC, Reliance Bio Energy, Torrent Power, Sterlite Power Transmission, Mahindra Susten Private Ltd, THDC India, Oil India, Jindal Renewable Power, Essar Renewables, Indraprastha Gas, Adani Logistics, JK Cement, BL Agro Industries, Titagarh Rail Systems among others.Besides, the investors and leaders of national and international business and corporate world, innovators, startups and other relevant stakeholders were also invited to make investments in the state and participate in the upcoming ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment Summit 2024 which is scheduled to be held in Jaipur on 9th-10th-11th December.
“Rajasthan stands at the cusp of a transformative era, embracing a new vision for growth and prosperity. We are not only laying the foundation for a stronger economy, but also building a sustainable future for generations to come. Our commitment to this transformation is reflected in a comprehensive set of initiatives designed to attract investment, boost local production, and empower our people,” said the CM.” Our government has set an ambitious goal of doubling Rajasthan’s economy from USD 180 billion to USD 350 billion in the next five years, and we will make it happen.
“”The focus of the state government is to not merely to sign MoUs for investment intentions, but to realise them into the projects on the ground,” Chief Minister Sharma said.Speaking about the significance of the investment summit, Sudhansh Pant, Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, said, the summit is a curtain-raiser for the state becoming a 350-billion-dollar economy in the next 5 years.
“This is an opportune time to invest in the state with government facilitating a confluence of synergized and simplified policies, ease of regulatory compliance, synergistic partnerships and targeted leveraging of resources, infrastructure and capital,” the chief secretary added.
The Rajasthan government also made a presentation on the vast opportunities available in Rajasthan and encouraged the investors to explore the strategic advantage the state has due to its proximity to Delhi. (ANI)
show less
Centre weighs building natural gas trading hub
New Delhi: India is planning to build a natural gas trading hub to help develop a competitive domestic gas market. The oil ministry officials recently held a meeting with gas industry executives to discuss the need for a hub, where prices reflect the domestic supply and demand fundamentals, according to people familiar with the matter. The government may soon set up a committee to suggest a roadmap to build a hub, they said.
SHOW MORE
Henry Hub in the US offers the most referenced gas pricing in the world due to its large trading volume, liquidity and transparent pricing. Henry Hub is a gas pipeline in Louisiana connected to several gas markets in the US. It serves as the delivery point for futures contracts on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). Britain’s National Balancing Point (NBP) is a virtual hub, which reflects the gas price in the entire country without factoring in the transport costs, which are levied separately.
An effective trading hub in India will need to facilitate both physical and futures markets as in the case of Henry Hub, said an industry executive. India will need to deregulate gas pricing to make more domestic volumes available for trade, disallow transport and marketing of gas by the same entity to ensure non-discriminatory access to infrastructure, and increase involvement of financial institutions for a large effective gas exchange, multiple executives said.
India set up a gas trading exchange, the Indian Gas Exchange, four years ago. This is the only physical delivery-based gas exchange in the country, where daily traded volumes are thin though expanding. Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) allows trading of natural gas futures contracts, which mimic NYMEX gas contracts.
Dahej in Gujarat could be the physical location for the hub as the place has good pipeline connectivity, diverse suppliers and buyers, and access to more than half of the imported gas, said another industry executive. An independent transport system operator should manage the pipeline at the hub, he said.
Some structural changes in gas taxation, transmission, better gas imbalance management and fewer trade restrictions will be required to make an effective hub, he said. Creation of a hub can energise gas trade by allowing quick title transfer of the commodity, he added.
Most of India’s locally produced gas isn’t freely traded and the vast majority is allocated to various consumers based on government policy. Gas available for trade on the proposed hub will mostly be imported. A large part of imported gas is also bilaterally sold to end-customers and bringing those to the exchange can be challenging.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/centre-weighs-building-natural-gas-trading-hub/articleshow/113861689.cms?from=mdr
show less
PM Modi inaugurates GAIL’s first CBG Plant in Jharkhand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated GAIL’s first CBG Plant in Ranchi, Jharkhand, through a virtual ceremony. This 12,500 m³ per day capacity plant is designed to process 150 tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste to produce 5,000 kg Bio-CNG and 25 tons of fermented bio manure per day.
SHOW MORE
Union Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth, some GAIL officials, the Chief General Manager (CBG) Yougesh Kumar, Executive Director Eastern Zone R K Das, Executive Director CGD H K Garg, and other officials from the Pollution Control Board, PESO, and Ranchi DC attended the inauguration ceremony in Ranchi.
The plant is built in an area of 7.86 acres at Ranchi Jharkhand, Jhir Dumping Site Mouza Jhiri. The biogas generated in this facility is to be supplied to nearby CNG stations which can fuel over 600 vehicles per day in the region, contributing to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and promoting the use of clean and green fuel.
The plant’s purification process utilizes water scrubbing technology. Additionally, the entire process, from designing and supplying to installing, testing, and commissioning the biogas plant is managed by CEID Consultants and Engineering. They will deliver overall turn-key solutions including gas generation, gas purification and pre-treatment process for the CBG plant. The wet waste for the plant to be collected by Ranchi municipal from homes, businesses, and other sources within Ranchi.
In March 2021, GAIL and Ranchi Municipal Corporation signed a Concession Agreement (CA) in the presence of Chief Minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren to set up this plant.
On the inauguration of GAIL’s first plant in India, Prince Gandhi, the CEO and Founder of CEID Consultants & Engineering Pvt Ltd said “We are thrilled to announce the successful commissioning of GAIL India Ltd‘s first compressed biogas facility in India. This plant has double significance since it is also the first plant in the state of Jharkhand. This plant promotes the circular economy and the state’s local economy with a sustainable future by utilizing Ranchi Municipal garbage and cow dung to generate clean energy. GAIL’s plant in Ranchi will not only create local employment and boost rural economies, but it will also promote energy security and lessen India’s reliance on fossil fuels.”
He further added “This project will support Government initiatives as Waste to Wealth, Circular Economy, Make in India, Clean India Green India, Net Zero by 2038 for reducing carbon footprints and what not.” he also emphasizes the environmental benefits of the byproducts from these plants and stated that, “Organic manure that produces as a byproduct from this plant can be use as natural fertilizers as well, enhancing soil fertility and health at the farming fields.”
show less
PM internship scheme moves at full throttle
Large companies such as Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Tata Consultancy Services, ONGC and Maruti Suzuki India are joining the PM Internship Scheme, with the government likely breaching its initial target of facilitating internships to 125,000 candidates under the initiative by December 2, a senior official said.
SHOW MORE
Already, companies have together placed internship offers for 90,849 candidates, marking a many-fold increase from about 16,000 until October 7, the official told ET. Many companies are still uploading offers on the portal designed to implement the scheme, he added.
The ministry of corporate affairs (MCA), which is implementing the scheme, had asked companies to upload details of their offers on the portal from October 3.
The portal will be made available to aspirants from October 12-25 to apply for internships, and by December 2, the eligible ones will actually start internships with the companies.
Some other prominent companies that will offer internships are Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, Tech Mahindra, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Max Life Insurance, Jubilant Foodworks, Eicher Motor and Muthoot Finance, officials said earlier.
Once the initial pilot project under the scheme is rolled out with targeted internship offers to 125,000 aspirants by December 2, the ministry will keep expanding it to accommodate more candidates, factoring in learnings from the initial experiences.
Under the scheme, the government aims to make internship opportunities available to 10 million youths at 500 companies over five years. The Confederation of Indian Industry has conducted industry interactions with the MCA for this initiative.
The companies are selected on the basis of average annual spending on corporate social responsibility obligations over three years through 2022-23.
The internship opportunities are spread across about two dozen sectors, including oil & gas, energy, travel & hospitality, auto, banking & financial services, infrastructure & construction, aviation and defence, officials have said.
The offers are for candidates across various states and UTs.
Each selected intern will get a monthly allowance of ₹5,000 for one year, on top of a one-time aid of ₹6,000. The government will bear ₹54,000 towards monthly allowance and one-time aid, spending ₹60,000 for each intern. The participating companies will bear the training cost and 10% of the monthly allowance, amounting to ₹6,000 for each candidate, from their CSR funds.
The scheme is aimed at youths belonging to the economically weaker households with no member earning above ₹8 lakh a year.
show less
LNG Use / LNG Development and Shipping
GAIL India issues LNG tender for November delivery, sources say
SINGAPORE, Oct 7 (Reuters) -GAIL (India) GAIL.NS, the country’s biggest natural gas distributor, issued a tender seeking a cargo of liquefied natural gas for delivery in November, two industry sources said on Monday.
SHOW MORE
It is seeking the cargo on a delivered-ex-ship (DES) basis for Nov. 6-15 delivery to the Dahej terminal. The tender closes on Oct. 7.
show less
Inox India and the LNG Boom
The move led to some correction in Tesla and another EV maker Polestar. Back in India, while the EV penetration is unfolding in two and three wheelers, lack of infra and cost related reasons have led to slow adoption in 4 wheelers and heavy-duty vehicles. As the future of electrification is being discussed amid subsidy related developments, a new fuel trend is about to emerge. For its long-haul trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, India is planning to use LNG. The target is to have a third of the fleet run on LNG instead of diesel in five to seven years.
SHOW MORE
With this move, India plans to target pollution and cut dependence on diesel and increase the share of natural gas from 6% to 15% in the energy mix.
Is this just another target or a real opportunity?
Well, other countries give some confidence.
While China has a fleet of over 800,000 LNG trucks on its roads, the number in the US and Europe is estimated to be 15,000.
In comparison, India is still taking baby steps, with hardly 500 such trucks on the road.
To be sure, at present, this is a bit of chicken and egg situation.
A large-scale adoption needs infrastructure of LNG filling stations which is lacking.
For LNG filling stations to be viable, there needs to be an LNG based fleet that can justify that investment (which isn’t there yet).
To start with, the government is setting up first 50 LNG fuel stations along the Golden Quadrilateral. By 2030, the plan is to develop 1,000 such stations. This side of the supply chain will be catered by companies in the oil and gas sector – IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, GAIL, Petronet LNG, Gujarat Gas and their joint ventures/ subsidiaries.
Coming to the demand side and a fleet owner’s perspective…
The initial cost of owning an LNG based truck is higher than that of diesel. However, as per studies by Niti Aayog, LNG is a better option if you consider total cost of ownership, including running costs.
And then there are other benefits.
With a single fill of LNG, upto 1,400 km can be covered. This makes it ideal and efficient for long haul journeys. The driver fatigue is limited due to less noise.
Then there are ESG brownie points. As such, the fleet operators like Dehlivery, companies in cement, chemical, mining, containers, and steel industries are seriously considering a fleet makeover.
To cater to this demand, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland and Blue Energy have already introduced LNG trucks.
For You: See How to Get All Stock Recommendations Inside Our Smallcap Research
Details of our SEBI Research Analyst registration are mentioned on our website – www.equitymaster.com
Apparently, 2,500 trucks would be a good number to justify the initial investment in 50 LNG stations.
Do note that Blue Energy alone has already deployed 500 LNG-based heavy-duty trucks on Indian roads.
So, these are some obvious names in the trend. Time will tell how this opportunity pans out. In the meantime, there is a specific stock you should have on your watchlist if this theme interests you.
The company is Inox India.
You see, LNG needs to be stored and transferred at low temperatures.
Inox India is a leading global provider of customised cryogenic (related to dealing with low temperatures) equipments – storage tanks, transport tanks, vaporizer, regasification equipment. It has a customer base in over 100 countries. Almost 50% of its revenue are from exports.
Its business segments include industrial segments, LNG and cryo scientific (satellite, propulsion systems and launch facilities).
In its latest order book of Rs 11 bn, 23% of orders are for LNG segment. Revenuewise, the segment accounts for 15% in the latest quarter.
Inox India supplies to both PSUs for LNG fueling stations and to truck makers for LNG fuel tanks.
In LNG stations, the company’s market share is 70-75%. It alone has supplied over 60% of tanks in stationary & trailer mounted mobile LNG tanks in India.
As such, a serious shift towards LNG could be a big positive for the company. The company is almost debt free. Its operating profit margin is well over 20% and return ratios are above 30%.
As such, a serious shift towards LNG could be a big positive for the company.
Do note that this is not a recommendation. Readers should do their own due diligence before acting on information expressed here.
show less
GreenLine Mobility deploys LNG powered trucks at Sterlite Copper
GreenLine Mobility Solutions Ltd., an initiative of Essar’s Green Mobility, has announced deployment of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered trucks to further decarbonise Sterlite Copper’s transportation operations.
SHOW MORE
On Thursday, LNG trucks were flagged off at Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Plant in Silvassa.
These LNG vehicles will be transporting finished goods to the northern region, utilising a reverse logistics model.
GreenLine’s LNG trucks, capable of carrying a 40-tonne payload and traveling up to 1,200 kilometres on a single tank, will enhance logistics efficiency while significantly reducing carbon emissions, the company said.
Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine Mobility Solutions Ltd. said, “Our partnership with Sterlite Copper marks an important milestone in our commitment to sustainable logistics. By integrating our LNG technology into their operations, we not only enhance our service offerings but also set a standard for decarbonisation in the transportation sector. Together, we are taking significant steps towards a cleaner, greener future.”
show less
Electric Mobility/ Hydrogen/Bio-Methane
Jio-bp hits 5,000 EV chargers as Anant Ambani and Murray Auchincloss unveil 500th station at Mumbai’s BKC
Anant Ambani, Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), and Murray Auchincloss, CEO of bp, jointly inaugurated Jio-bp’s 500th EV charging station at the Jio World Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, on Thursday. This milestone coincides with the installation of Jio-bp’s 5,000th charging point across India.
SHOW MORE
According to Jio-bp’s statement, the new charging station will serve the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Jio World Plaza, and Jio World Convention Centre, enhancing the infrastructure in this prominent business district.
During the inauguration event, Anant Ambani highlighted the company’s role in supporting the growth of electric vehicles, stating, “Jio-bp is playing a pioneering role in accelerating EV adoption in India, with the largest network of fast-charging stations and the highest reliability.”
Jio-bp, a joint venture between Reliance and bp focused on fuels and mobility, has rapidly expanded its EV charging network. Over the past year, the company has increased its charging points from 1,300 to 5,000.
Notably, 95% of Jio-bp’s network consists of fast-charging stations, which enable quicker charging times. These stations, according to Jio-bp, boast a 96% uptime, making the joint venture one of the most reliable charging networks in the country.
To further reduce charging time, the company has introduced 480 kW chargers, among the highest-rated in the industry. These chargers are strategically deployed in key locations such as shopping malls, corporate parks, public parking spaces, and wayside amenities. Additionally, Jio-bp’s Pulse app enhances the user experience, allowing drivers to easily locate and access charging stations.
Murray Auchincloss, emphasising bp’s strategic vision, said, “EV charging is one of bp’s key transition businesses in our journey to becoming an integrated energy company.” He added that the joint venture with Reliance combines the strengths of both companies to offer a convenient and efficient charging solution across India.
In addition to EV charging, the joint venture between Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and bp markets traditional fuels and offers alternative fueling options. Jio-bp also provides doorstep diesel delivery through its Fuel4U service, and its aviation brand, air bp-Jio, supplies Aviation Turbine Fuel across India.
show less
German company to do safety audit of India’s Hydrogen trains
The Railways has roped in Germany’s TUV-SUD for third party safety audit of India’s first hydrogen train. According to officials aware of the plan, trial runs are expected to begin in December 2024 for this rolling stock. Besides there, another five Hydrogen Fuel Cell Based Tower Cars (maintenance vehicles) at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore per unit are also being developed.
SHOW MORE
“The Indian Railways (IR) will have 35 trains under the Hydrogen for Heritage initiative at an estimated cost of Rs 80 crores per train with another Rs 70 crores investment in ground infrastructure per route on various heritage or hilly routes,” the official told ET.
With this, India will become the fifth country in the world, after Germany, France, Sweden, and China, to operate Hydrogen powered trains.
“The System integration Unit battery and two fuel unit synchronization tests have been successfully done,” the official said.
Another pilot project for retro-fitment of Hydrogen Fuel cell on existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake, along with ground infrastructure, is also underway. This train is planned to be run on the Jind –Sonipat section of Northern Railway. “Integration of prototype train is planned in Integral Coach Factory, Chennai,” the official added.
Hydrogen for this train in Haryana is said to be supplied from a 1-megawatt (MW) Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser at Jind.
A statement from GreenH Electrolysis said this electrolyser will operate round the clock producing approximately 430 kg/day of hydrogen. “The refuelling infrastructure at Jind will also have a 3,000 kg hydrogen storage, hydrogen compressor, and two hydrogen dispensers with pre-cooler integration, allowing for quick refuelling of the trains,” the statement said.
show less
Global Biofuels Alliance gets diplomatic status
The government on Friday signed a deal with the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), giving the body set up last year by India and other key G20 members like the US and Brazil, the tag of an ‘independent and international legal entity,’ an official informed on social media.
SHOW MORE
The agreement will enable GBA to pursue its functions internationally, the statement said. The Alliance backed by national governments, global institutions and industries, seeks to bring together the biggest consumers and producers of biofuels at a time climate action has become the focal point of public policy.
The Alliance also seeks to offer new opportunities to Indian industries by positioning India as a knowledge base and as a production hub for biofuels including ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel and compressed bio gas. It also could boost New Delhi’s role in the global biofuels sector, according to information available from the petroleum ministry.
The body was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the leaders of US, Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Singapore, Bangladesh, Mauritius and UAE in September 2023, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in the capital as an initiative of the Chair.
Mint had reported on 17 July that the alliance was set to sign the host country agreement. The deal paves the way for the government to grant exemptions, immunities and privileges to the alliance and its secretariat in the country, as contemplated under a UN statute. Mint also reported that this agreement will provide GBA with an independent and international legal persona that would allow it to carry out its functions in a more efficient manner at the international level.
GBA’s diplomatic status as a global body is similar to the status given to the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
India has been proactive in taking steps to mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change and has set a net-zero emission goal to be achieved by 2070. As per official estimates, India’s share in global carbon emissions is less than 4% although the country accounts for about 17% of the world’s population.
As a party to the UN climate change deal, India had set a voluntary goal of cutting its economy’s emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030 from the 2005 level. As per information available with the ministry of environment, forest and climate change, the Indian economy’s emission intensity had come down by 33% between 2005 and 2019.
India had also set a goal of having two-fifth of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, a target that was met last year, when clean energy accounted for 43.8% of the cumulative electric power installed capacity.
show less
PM to inaugurate dung-based bio-CNG plant in MP’s Gwalior today
Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate virtually a 100 TPD (tone per day) capacity cattle dung-based bio-CNG plant at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh on October 2. The PM will also attend a function of the Swachhata Hi Sewa Pakhwada (SHSP) closing ceremony, being organised in Bhopal, through video conferencing.
On this occasion, MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will be present and development projects worth Rs 685 crore will be inaugurated and foundation stone under the Swachh Bharat Mission and AMRUT Yoajna will also be laid.
SHOW MORE
The CM will transfer Rs 69.42 lakh into the accounts of 2,314 Safai Mitras (each Rs 3,000) as an incentive of the Ujjain Municipal Corporation with a single click on getting a 3-star rating to the corporation in the Swachh Survekshan 2022. He will also felicitate CMOs of the ULBs who have performed outstandingly.
CM Yadav has expressed gratitude to PM Modi and his vision ‘waste to wealth’, and the saints who serve the Gau Maata at the Laal Tipara cow shelter, the state government will give full support for the expansion of this effort.
The bio-CNG plant has been set up in the 2-hectare area at the gaushala of Gwalior which is the country’s first advanced and self-reliant cow shelter.
For setting up the plant, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has funded Rs 32 crore under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy of the Companies Act 2013. Gwalior Municipal Corporation (GMC) has also assisted Rs 5 crore. The IOCL will maintain the plant too.
The plant will produce 3 tons of bio-CNG and 20 tons of nutrient-rich fertiliser per day using 100 tons of cow dung.
The bio-CNG project had been pending for a long time, but with the efforts of the then-
commissioner of the GMC Kishore Kanyal, its process was reinitiated and an MoU was signed with IOCL.
He reached out to IOCL officials and requested them to review the project, and as he promised, the commissioner issued the NOC within 24 hours.
Due to his intervention, the project capacity was also increased from 50 TPD to 100 TPD, and the cost escalated from Rs 15 crore to Rs 31 crore.
Notably, Asia’s largest bio-CNG plant has also been set up in Indore, which was also inaugurated by PM Modi.
The gaushala is being operated by the GMC and more than 10,000 cattle live there.
show less
GAIL Invites Bids for 7.75 MW Floating Solar Project in Madhya Pradesh
GAIL (India), has invited bids for the design, engineering, procurement and supply, construction, erection, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of a 7.75 MW grid-connected floating solar project at Vijaipur in Madhya Pradesh. The last date for submitting bids is October 29, 2024. Bids will be opened on October 30. The project site is situated within the GAIL Vijaipur complex. Bidders will also be responsible for the project’s five-year operation and maintenance. They must construct a central monitoring and control station with SCADA, PPC panel, and associated equipment at an identified location within the solar project premises. The identified location is tentative and may be changed during detailed engineering per site conditions. Bidders must pay an earnest deposit of 4.25 million (~$50,626).
SHOW MORE
In terms of cable sizing, for applications with a 33kV voltage level, the cable size must adhere to protection time grading requirements. The protection time should be at least 0.3 seconds to ensure safety and system integrity.
Regarding SCADA, the project requires two licenses for remote monitoring, with the provision for concurrent viewing by all users.if required, provisions should be made for data telemetry and remote communication with the relevant Regional Load Dispatch Center.For DC and LT (Low Tension) power cables, the voltage drop between the module and the inverter transformer must be limited to 3% of the rated voltage. The maximum allowable voltage drop for all LT cables is also capped at 3%.The DC system voltage should be designed for 125V or 250V, with auxiliary voltage supplied by a 110V or 220V battery. This aspect will be finalized during the detailed engineering process.Only Class-I and Class-II local suppliers are eligible to participate in the bidding process.Last December, GAIL invited bids for the design, supply, construction, erection, testing, and commissioning of 600 MW (6 x 100 MW) of solar power projects at the Khavda Solar Park in the Kutch region of Gujarat.Earlier, the company had invited bids for hiring a project management consultant to set up a 10 MW ground-mounted solar power project at GAIL’s Vijaipur Complex.Subscribe to Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker to stay on top of real-time tender activity.
https://www.mercomindia.com/gail-invites-bids-solar-project-in-madhya-pradesh
show less
Essar’s Stanlow facility to transform into world’s first green refinery
EET Fuels is investing $1.2 billion over the next five years to decarbonise its operations and targeting a 95 per cent cut in emissions by 2030 through energy efficiency, carbon capture and fuel switching
Essar Energy Transition (EET) will turn the UK’s Stanlow facility into the world’s first decarbonised green refinery that will consume blue hydrogen to meet its heating and power requirements, Essar Capital Director Prashant Ruia said on Tuesday.
SHOW MORE
The HyNet project of EET, which recently secured a $650 million in facilities, will produce 350 megawatts (MW) of blue hydrogen in the first phase and an additional 1 gigawatt (GW) in the second phase, Ruia said at FT’s Energy Transition Summit India.
“We are going to make this (Stanlow) the world’s first decarbonised green refinery. We are decarbonising 95 per cent of our carbon dioxide emissions that are released when crude oil is processed into fuels like petrol and diesel,” he added.
EET Fuels is investing $1.2 billion over the next five years to decarbonise its operations and targeting a 95 per cent cut in emissions by 2030 through energy efficiency, carbon capture and fuel switching, which will lead to 12.5 per cent reduction in the North West’s overall regional carbon emissions.
Use of blue hydrogen in the refinery process will decarbonise up to 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent to taking 1.1 million cars off the roads
“Using hydrogen for the refinery heating and power requirement will be first globally,” Ruia noted.
Last week, the UK government announced 21.7 billion pounds of funding over 25 years to support the construction of two carbon capture clusters in northern England that include large blue hydrogen projects. The money will be for the HyNet hub in Merseyside and the East Coast Cluster hubs in Teesside, which will see more than 8.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year stored under the Irish Sea and North Sea.
show less
Adani Group starts India’s biggest hydrogen blending in natural gas project
Adani group has started blending green hydrogen in natural gas that is supplied to households for cooking purposes in parts of Ahmedabad, with a view to cut emissions and meet net-zero targets.
Adani Total Gas Ltd, the group’s city gas joint venture with French energy giant TotalEnergies, has started blending 2.2-2.3 per cent of green hydrogen in piped natural gas supplies in Shantigram in Ahmedabad, the firm said in a post on LinkedIn.
SHOW MORE
Hydrogen produced through clean pathways is injected into natural gas pipelines, and the resulting blends are used to generate heat and power with lower emissions than using natural gas alone.
The firm has started producing green hydrogen by using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power, to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called electrolysis. This hydrogen is blended in natural gas that is currently piped to households for cooking purposes and industries.
“We are thrilled to announce the successful commissioning of our Hydrogen Blending System and in-situ Hydrogen Generation at Adani Shantigram, Ahmedabad,” Adani-Total Gas Ltd (ATGL) said.
“This project will provide uninterrupted hydrogen-blended natural gas to 4,000 domestic and commercial consumers.” Presently, state-owned power generator NTPC supplies green hydrogen blended natural gas to households in Kawas in Surat district, Gujarat.
State-owned gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd is also doing a small pilot in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to supply CNG that has been doped with grey hydrogen.
ATGL’s project is the biggest so far.
The firm will slowly increase the green hydrogen blend in natural gas to 5 per cent and ultimately to 8 per cent and widen supplies beyond Shantigram to other parts of Ahmedabad and eventually across other areas where it holds a city gas license.
“This achievement marks a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and transitioning to cleaner energy solutions. By blending hydrogen with natural gas, we are lowering greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and supporting sustainable development,” ATGL said.
“It reaffirms our commitment to sustainability. It paves the way for a cleaner, greener future, ensuring cleaner and healthier air for everyone.” ATGL CEO Suresh P Manglani said the pioneering initiative by the firm marks “a significant step towards decarbonising India’s energy landscape”.
While green hydrogen with nil carbon emissions is being talked about as the future fuel, its tendency to corrode pipelines and equipment limits its usage. Tests have established that up to 10 per cent hydrogen can be blended in natural gas without any impact on pipelines or equipment.
ATGL is currently doing 2.2-2.3 per cent blending and will slowly increase it to 5 per cent and ultimately to 8 per cent – the limit set by the regulators at present.
A higher blend of up to 30 per cent is possible with a change in material grade and wall thickness of pipelines and equipment.
Hydrogen energy is a key component of the global energy transition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Hydrogen can be extracted from fossil fuels and biomass, from water or a mix of both.
However, its high cost of production remains a challenge.
show less
REI Expo saw Rs 1,850-cr investments committed for biogas sector: IBA
These investments, set to be realised over 2-3 years, reflect strong international interest, particularly from countries such as Germany, Sweden, and the UK, he said. Delhi: Investments worth Rs 1,850 crore have been committed in the biogas sector during the Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo 2024, held from October 3-5 in Greater Noida, a top official of Indian Biogas Association (IBA) said. “The IBA has secured anticipated investment commitments totaling Rs 1,850 crore through joint ventures (JVs), MoUs, and letters of intent (LoIs) at the recently concluded Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo 2024, held from October 3 to 5 in Greater Noida,” IBA Chairman Gaurav Kedia told PTI.
SHOW MORE
Kedia said a total of 47 exhibitors representing 10 biogas producing nations took part in the REI Expo.
These investments, set to be realised over 2-3 years, reflect strong international interest, particularly from countries such as Germany, Sweden, and the UK, he said.
“We have signed MoUs (memorandum of understanding) worth over Rs 900 crore for joint ventures and received almost 50 LoIs (letter of intends) for establishing compressed biogas plants in India,” Kedia said.
Founded in 2011 and revamped in 2015, the IBA serves as a nationwide platform for bioenergy operators, manufacturers, and planners, working with international organisations like the German Biogas Association to promote the growth of the biogas sector in India.
The REI Expo, one of the largest renewable energy events in India, focuses on bioenergy, solar, wind, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency technologies.
Supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and key industry players, Bio-Energy Pavilion 2024 was aimed to accelerate India’s progress towards net-zero emissions.
IBA President Dr A R Shukla highlighted the success of this year’s expo, noting that the active participation of MNRE to be present in Bio-Energy Pavilion with scientist of Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE), Kapurthala, has boosted confidence in the bioenergy sector.
Shukla also emphasised the need for emphasising on bio-energy considering its holistic advantage, to unlock the potential for energy self-sufficiency.
He added that with the right policy support, the bioenergy industry could replace fossil fuels entirely.
show less
GAIL India to set up 300-tonne biogas plant within Kudlu’s KCDC plant.
In the last three years, GAIL India, which has a large network of gas distribution lines in Bengaluru, has been searching for suitable land to establish a 300-tonne biogas plant. Bengaluru: A bio-compressed natural gas (CNG) plant-capable of handling about 300 tonnes of waste -will be established in Kudlu, where the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) is struggling to process wet waste scientifically.
SHOW MORE
The Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) has decided to hand over 18 acres of land within the KCDC plant to GAIL India, which will be setting up a biogas plant at its own cost. For BSWML, GAIL India’s proposal seemed like a win-win solution, as the wet waste processing plant- operated by KCDC since 1975-has faced strong opposition from local residents due to air and environmental pollution concerns.
In the last three years, GAIL India, which has a large network of gas distribution lines in Bengaluru, has been searching for suitable land to establish a 300-tonne biogas plant. The civic body had cleared the detailed project report (DPR) in October 2021, and the government eventually approved the project in October 2022.
According to the DPR, GAIL India will invest about Rs 65 crore to establish the 300-tonne biogas plant. The facility is expected to produce approximately 10.70 tonnes of CNG per day and 31.39 tonnes of organic manure, among other products. The BBMP will also benefit, as it will be able to dispose of about six percent of its total waste without incurring any additional costs.
The project was originally proposed to come up at Mandur, where the BBMP had stopped sending waste since November 2014 due to public protests. This location was, however, shelved as local villages, including elected representatives, opposed the plan, especially since the BBMP was also planning to establish a much larger solid waste management plant in the same area by engaging private agencies.
The land dispute came up for discussion at the high-powered meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh in August. As the central public sector undertaking was unable to establish the biogas plant, she directed the BBMP and BSWML to identify alternative land within 60 days. A senior BSWML official stated that the KCDC plant in Mandur was finalised at a recent meeting.
“The plant covers 29 acres of land. About 18 acres will be handed over to GAIL India once the state government approves the location,” he said. Transforming wet waste into biogas is going to be a significant achievement for BSWML officials, as it is considered a more environmentally friendly solution compared to simply dumping waste in landfills.
show less
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Natural Gas / Transnational Pipelines/ Others
Bulgaria: Bulgaria is already receiving liquefied gas from the Alexandroupolis terminal
The first delivery of liquefied natural gas to Bulgaria has started through the new floating terminal near Alexandroupolis, in which Bulgaria is a shareholder, BNT reported. This happened in the presence of the Acting Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov.
SHOW MORE
The first delivery is 100 million cubic meters.
Commercial operation of the facility has been a fact since October 1. Its capacity is 5.5 billion cubic meters per year. This is the heart of the floating terminal, the command bridge from which the entire facility is controlled. As of today, our country started receiving its first supplies of blue fuel. This is 100 million cubic meters from Norway. Bulgaria is the owner of 20% of the project, as “Bulgargaz” has a reserved capacity of 1 billion cubic meters per year for 10 years. The terminal enables rhythmic deliveries of liquefied gas from all over the world, not only to our country, but also to Southeast and Central Europe.
“Today we are already getting the real diversification of natural gas for Bulgaria, and hence for the entire region. Another source to make our country independent. Our economy is calm and competitive and our households such that they can count on constant heat in their homes.
Malinov explained that work is already underway on a project for a second floating liquefied gas terminal with Bulgarian participation in “Alexandrupolis”.
show less
US: World’s largest renewable natural gas production plant is coming to Louisiana
Woodland Biofuels Inc. is planning a $1.35 billion investment at the Port of South Louisiana to establish one of the world’s largest renewable biofuels production facilities, Louisiana Economic Development announced last week.
SHOW MORE
As part of the project, the Toronto-based company would utilize waste biomass to produce sustainable biofuel used in transportation, heating and electricity generation.
If the project moves forward as outlined, the company expects to create 110 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of more than $90,000. Woodlands Biofuels estimates that the project would support approximately 500 construction jobs.
The new facility, to be located at the Globalplex multimodal facility at the Port of South Louisiana, would include the largest renewable natural gas production plant in the world, according to the company. It expects to permanently remove hundreds of thousands of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually and store it underground at a carbon sequestration site to be determined at a later date.
A front-end engineering design study for the site is anticipated to be finalized by the second quarter of 2025, with a final investment decision expected by the end of next year. Commercial operations for the first phase of the project—the renewable natural gas production plant—are projected to start in 2028.
To support the project, LED offered Woodland Biofuels an incentives package that includes a $10 million performance-based grant for infrastructure improvements and the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
show less
Angola: Chevron to Increase Gas Supplies to Angola LNG
Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
SHOW MORE
Energy supermajor Chevron will supply 600 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to the Angola LNG (ALNG) facility by the end of the year. This comes as the Sanha-Lean Gas Connection (SLGC) Project – developed by Chevron’s local subsidiary and set to deliver lean gas to the ALNG onshore plant – prepares for first production by Q4 2024.
The announcement was made by Chevron’s Managing Director of the Southern Africa Strategic Business Unit Billy Lacobie during an “In Conversation with” session at the Angola Oil&Gas conference in Luanda on Wednesday.
“It’s very exciting as you go forward and look at the immense opportunities when you go into gas,” said Lacobie. “When you talk about energy security, [gas] is one of the key enablers.”
According to Lacobie, Chevron’s gas production increase will be driven by the installation and tie-in of the SLGC Project to the existing Sanha Condensate Complex, which features pipelines connecting Chevron-operated Blocks 0 and 14 to ALNG.
https://www.cnbcafrica.com/wire/651152/
show less
Natural Gas / LNG Utilization
Vietnam: Vietnam’s first LNG power plant to start commercial operations from April, 5 months behind target
Vietnam’s first power plant using solely liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected to start commercial operations from April next year, state media reported on Thursday, five months later than the previous target date.
HANOI, Sept 26 (Reuters) – Vietnam’s first power plant using solely liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected to start commercial operations from April next year, state media reported on Thursday, five months later than the previous target date.
SHOW MORE
A test run at the plant, Nhon Trach 3 in the southern province of Dong Nai, will begin in mid-October, reported Cong Thuong, a newspaper of the Ministry of Industry and Trade
The nearby Nhon Trach 4 plant is expected to start commercial power generation in July 2025, the report said, two months behind schedule.
Both plants, which have a combined capacity of 1.5 gigawatts (GW), are being developed by PetroVietnam Power Corp. They are the first in a fleet of 13 LNG-fired plants with total capacity of 22.4 GW that Vietnam aims to have by 2030.
PetroVietnam Power said earlier this year that construction of the two plants had faced obstacles, including issues related to a power purchase agreement, land leases, and transmission lines from the plants.
show less
France: ‘Green’ LNG-powered ship docks at MICT
The first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container vessel of French-owned shipping firm CMA CGM docked at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the flagship port of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI).
SHOW MORE
In a statement, ICTSI said the inaugural call of CMA CGM Passion arrived last 26 September.
The 7,327-TEU CMA CGM Passion operates under CNC’s KCS service, which offers direct sailings between South China and the Philippines.
This weekly service connects key ports in China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, including Xingang, Dalian, Lianyungang, Qingdao, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya and Manila.
It also provides one of the fastest transit times from Qingdao to Singapore and Indonesia.
Reduced carbon emission
“This landmark call reinforces our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of MICT’s operations, which include investing in hybrid rubber-tired gantries that require less fuel and generate cleaner emissions. We hope to handle more green ships as the industry moves towards decarbonization,” Christian Lozano, MICT’s chief operating officer, said.
Further, the Razon-led company said MICT’s efforts to minimize its environmental footprint have been recognized by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation port services network with a green port status.
Recent initiatives include improved wastewater management, circular economy practices and biodiversity protection.
The CMA CGM Passion is also the largest capacity box ship handled by MICT to date.
With the capability to accommodate the largest vessels being cascaded to the Philippines, MICT is well-positioned to enhance the country’s foreign trade by promoting stronger trade connectivity and making the Port of Manila more globally competitive.
Headquartered in Singapore, CNC is a leading intra-Asia short-sea specialist and a fully integrated subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group.
Joining domestic ops
Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority welcomed CMA CGM Group being the first foreign-owned shipping company in the Philippines, in a formal announcement by the shipping firm on Friday.
Under its flagship intra-Asia brand CNC, the CMA CGM Group launched the CMA CGM Philippines Shipping (CCPS) as the first 100 percent foreign-owned shipping company registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission that will provide domestic shipping service in the country.
The CNC Pilipinas, the first Philippine-flagged vessel in the CMA CGM fleet, can carry 1,037 TEUs and would serve weekly via Luzon Visayas Mindanao Express, with port rotation Manila-Cagayan de Oro-Cebu-Manila.
https://tribune.net.ph/2024/09/30/green-lng-powered-ship-docks-at-mict
show less
Mozambique: ExxonMobil to enlist McDermott for FEED work on Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique
(WO) – McDermott, through a consortium with Saipem and China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation, has been awarded a front-end engineering design (FEED) contract for the Rovuma LNG Phase 1 Project in Mozambique, a joint venture between ExxonMobil Development Africa B.V., Eni S.p.A. and CNODC Dutch Cooperatief U.A.
SHOW MORE
The Rovuma LNG Phase 1 project represents a significant development for the country and provides a significant opportunity for economic growth. The project includes liquefaction and export of natural gas extracted from the Offshore Area 4 fields off the Afungi Peninsula in Mozambique.
The FEED contract scope of work includes the modular design of a greenfield LNG production facility in Afungi, all associated gas pre-treatment units and the utilities and offsite systems to support the LNG production. The plant will have an overall production capacity of 18 million tons per annum. The scope of work also includes the engineering, procurement and construction proposal.
“LNG helps shape an entirely new era of energy solutions and McDermott plays a significant role in this global shift with more than 60 years of LNG experience,” said Rob Shaul, Senior Vice President of McDermott’s Low Carbon Solutions business.
“McDermott is well established in Mozambique and can apply this knowledge and experience to continue the country’s industrial, social and economic development.”
show less
US: Fincantieri launches the second LNG cruise ship for Princess Cruises
The launch of “Star Princess,” the second LNG (liquefied natural gas) cruise ship that Fincantieri is building for Princess Cruises, took place at the Monfalcone shipyard, according to Fincantieri’s release.
SHOW MORE
The ceremony was attended, among others, by John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, and Cristiano Bazzara, Director of the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone. Godmothers of the ceremony Chiara del Vecchio, 3rd Engineer aboard the “Sun Princess”, and Francesca Maraventano, executive assistant at the Monfalcone shipyard.
With a gross tonnage of approximately 178,000 tons, “Star Princess” is the sister ship to “Sun Princess,” also built in Monfalcone and delivered earlier this year. It is the second-largest ship ever built in Italy and the second LNG-powered cruise ship Fincantieri is building for this ship owner. Additionally, it is the second dual-fuel ship, primarily powered by LNG, to join the Princess fleet. Liquefied natural gas is considered the most advanced, mature, scalable, and commercially viable fuel technology for the maritime industry. It is also recognized as one of the cleanest fossil fuels, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mostly eliminates other airborne pollutants and particulate matter.
“Star Princess” is the second ship in Princess Cruises’ Sphere class, with delivery expected in fall 2025. The new vessel will accommodate approximately 4,300 passengers and is based on a next-generation platform design.
Princess Cruises is a globally leading cruise line operating a fleet of 17 modern ships, transporting millions of guests each year to 330 destinations worldwide.
https://en.portnews.ru/news/368400/
show less
Global LNG Development
Malaysia: MISC orders two new LNG carriers set for delivery in 2027
Malaysia’s LNG shipper MISC, a unit of Petronas has signed shipbuilding contracts with Samsung Heavy Industries Co Ltd (SHI) for two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, with delivery expected in 2027.
SHOW MORE
Additionally, MISC has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Petronas LNG Sdn Bhd (PLSB) to provide long-term LNG shipping services through the time charter of these new carriers.
Meanwhile, MISC and PLSB have agreed to terminate the time charters of three existing steam LNG carriers—Seri Ayu, Seri Angkasa, and Seri Begawan—and have finalized new time charters for two LNG carriers, Seri Alam and Seri Amanah, after their current charters expire.
“The new LNG carriers support the strategic intent of rejuvenating MISC’s LNG fleet with modern and efficient vessels towards achieving reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and intensity by 2030,” MISC said.
MISC currently operates 26 LNG carriers, not including 14 newbuilds from both individual and joint venture orders. According to the company, these new vessels are part of its strategy to ‘modernize its LNG fleet’ with more efficient and environmentally-friendly ships, aligning with its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and intensity by 2030.
In a previous statement, the company expressed confidence that the LNG shipping market will remain robust due to rising European demand for LNG, the recovery of Chinese demand, limited vessel availability, and expanding LNG infrastructure.
https://safety4sea.com/misc-orders-two-new-lng-carriers-set-for-delivery-in-2027/
show less
Qatar: McDermott Secures EPCI Contract from QatarEnergy LNG for the North Field South Project
McDermott has recently been selected by QatarEnergy LNG to execute an EPCI contract as part of the North Field South (NFS) Offshore Pipelines and Cables Project. This new agreement adds to McDermott’s previous awards for the NFS Pipelines FEED, the NFS Jackets EPCI, as well as the NFXP Topsides and Pipelines, including the NFS Topsides.
SHOW MORE
The NFS project aims to supply feed gas for two new LNG (liquefied natural gas) production units and is part of the North Field Expansion Project (NFXP). The latter aims to increase Qatar’s total LNG production from the current 77 million tons per annum (MTPA) to 142 MTPA.
Strengthening McDermott’s Presence in Qatar
Mike Sutherland, McDermott’s Senior Vice President for Offshore Middle East, stated: “McDermott is unique in Qatar as we have been operating and supporting the offshore energy industry since its early developments in the 1990s. Consequently, we have a long history in the country’s energy sector and have followed its growth from that time until today.” He added that McDermott looks forward to continuing to work closely with QatarEnergy LNG to contribute to the completion of this strategic offshore development.
Neil Gunnion, Country Manager and Vice President of Operations at McDermott in Qatar, expressed his satisfaction: “We are honored to once again receive the trust of QatarEnergy and QatarEnergy LNG to deliver some of their most important and strategic projects.” He emphasized that McDermott is now responsible for all offshore infrastructure associated with Qatar’s massive North Field expansion, with execution primarily carried out in the country.
Contract Details and Project Management
The contract covers the EPCI of nearly 250 kilometers of offshore and onshore gas pipelines, connecting five new offshore wellhead platforms to two new onshore LNG production units, in addition to composite subsea power and control cables. The project will be managed from McDermott’s Doha office, with in-country fabrication support from the QFAB shipyard, and will be installed using McDermott’s in-house marine assets.
This strategic partnership with QatarEnergy LNG reinforces McDermott’s position as a leader in offshore energy projects in Qatar, leveraging its manufacturing facilities in Ras Laffan and its main execution center in Doha to ensure the efficient and high-quality delivery of the complex infrastructures required for the North Field expansion.
Impact on LNG Production in Qatar
The North Field expansion is crucial for Qatar, which aims to maintain its position as the world’s leading LNG producer. Increasing production capacity to 142 MTPA will allow the country to meet the growing global demand for LNG and strengthen its presence in the international energy market.
McDermott, through its expertise and commitment to operational excellence, plays a key role in achieving these ambitious goals by ensuring that energy infrastructures meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
show less
South Korea: Samsung Heavy to become 1st paperless drawing shipyard
Samsung Heavy Industries Co. said on Monday it will adopt three-dimensional (3D) digital drawings for its entire ship design and construction process starting in October to become the world’s first shipyard without paper drawings. Using AI and digital twin technologies, the South Korean shipbuilder will go paperless for all shipbuilding projects from drawing to inspection in its transition to an intelligent and autonomous shipyard.
SHOW MORE
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a real-world physical product or system for simulation, integration, testing and maintenance.
Traditional paper drawings tend to cause cost overruns and process delays due to frequent design changes, damage to the drawings or misinterpretation by shipbuilding workers.
However, digital drawings enable users to check the ship block structure and function without difficulty. They will also improve production efficiency and prevent quality deterioration by allowing for real-time and accurate communication during the design and production process.
Switching to digital drawings, Samsung Heavy expects to reduce costs equivalent to 600,000 sheets of paper used for ship drawings annually and cut labor-related costs by 45% in terms of employees involved in designing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier and its installation.
To ensure a smooth transition to a digital work environment, it will provide 3,000 tablet PCs to its employees by next year and continuously upgrade the devices’ performance.
“The full application of 3D digital drawings is a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the shipbuilding industry,” said Lee Wang-geun, vice president of Samsung Heavy.
“We will continue to expand the application of digital technologies and build a companywide smart integrated management infrastructure,” he added.
https://www.kedglobal.com/shipping-shipbuilding/newsView/ked202409300009
show less
Malaysia: Petronas, Mitsubishi Sign New Deal On LNG Delivery From Sarawak
Petronas and Mitsubishi Corporation have signed new agreements on the delivery of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to international markets, with a primary focus on customers in Japan.
The agreements outlined Mitsubishi Corporation’s investment in the Malaysia LNG (“MLNG”) Dua and MLNG Tiga for the next decade with the extension of its 10 percent equity shareholding in MLNG Dua, and the reinvestment of a 10 percent equity shareholding in MLNG Tiga.
SHOW MORE
This strategic partnership highlights Malaysia’s robust economic landscape, particularly in Sarawak, as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment. Petronas CEO Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik said, “With our strengthened synergy, we look forward to the continued successes of MLNG Dua and MLNG Tiga, which have proven mutually beneficial for over 45 years. Together with Mitsubishi Corporation and the support of the Sarawak State Government, PETRONAS remains fully committed to ensuring the safe and reliable supply of LNG to fuel the economies of Malaysia, Japan and our customers around the globe towards a sustainable, lower-carbon future.
The PETRONAS LNG complex, through partnerships and alongside Mitsubishi Corporation, commenced LNG supply to long-term Japanese contract buyers since 1983. PETRONAS LNG Complex comprises four joint ventures: MLNG, MLNG Dua, MLNG Tiga and PETRONAS LNG 9 with a combined production capacity of 29.3 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA), making it one of the world’s largest LNG facilities in a single location. PETRONAS LNG Complex is among the main LNG suppliers, providing lower-carbon energy solutions to a diverse range of public and private sector customers in Japan.
Besides its main business of natural gas in Malaysia, Mitsubishi Corporation has also participated in ten gas upstream blocks in Sarawak and expanded its areas of investment in Malaysia to automobile, food, petrochemicals, metal and steel, bringing the company’s total investment amount into the country to approximately RM5 billion last year.
show less
Vietnam: Foreign investors keen on LNG infrastructure in Vietnam
Many foreign investors, particularly from the US, have expressed interest in investment opportunities in Việt Nam’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure market to meet the country’s energy needs.
New movement
According to a Reuters report in late August, the Cái Mép LNG Terminal is currently seeking cargo to begin commissioning tests, putting it on track to become the country’s second terminal in Việt Nam to come into operation.
SHOW MORE
CEO of AG&P LNG Karthik Sathyamoorthy said his firm had received an import licence, it was working hard to accelerate the commissioning process, targeting completion within the next three months.
The company planned to finalise the commissioning cargo in October for delivery between late October and mid-November, he told baodautu.vn.
Earlier in March, the company – a subsidiary of Nebula Energy – acquired a 49 per cent stake in Cái Mép LNG Terminal located in Bà Rịa- Vũng Tàu Province. Fully constructed, the Cái Mép LNG Terminal was developed by Hải Linh Company Limited, a prominent petroleum product import terminal and trader in Việt Nam.
Meanwhile, US-based LNG company Excelerate Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Việt Nam’s ITECO JSC to co-develop a greenfield LNG import terminal in the northern port city of Hải Phòng.
As one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, Việt Nam remained an attractive emerging market for foreign investors, said Ramon Wangdi, Vice President for Asia Pacific for the gas distribution company Excelerate Energy.
This growth was driven by a rapid increase in energy demand, where LNG would play a key role over the coming decades. As Việt Nam transitioned from carbon-intensive fuels such as coal and oil, to renewables like solar and hydropower, LNG would be crucial in helping Việt Nam achieve net zero by 2050, the vice president told the online newspaper.
He added that as a global company, Excelerate was exploring investment opportunities in related infrastructure across Việt Nam and the Asia Pacific to support this shift in energy strategy.
According to Ramon, Việt Nam had set a goal of expanding its LNG-based power initiative from virtually zero to over 20 GW by 2045. This ambition would position the nation as a key player in the global LNG industry.
Due to Việt Nam’s unique geography, with a long coastline and onshore terrain, the development of a nationwide gas pipeline system and infrastructure for receiving, processing, and distributing LNG would need to be built nationwide. This would connect import terminals to a range of end users, from power generation to industrial and commercial sectors.
Such investments needed to be reliable, cost-effective and quickly deployable, he said, adding that other leading companies would have opportunities to invest in this emerging industry, spanning the entire gas and LNG value chain.
For example, the Sơn Mỹ LNG Terminal – a joint venture between AES Group and PetroVietnam Gas (PV Gas)- has received in-principle approval from the Bình Thuận People’s Committee. The project is slated for completion in 2027.
Promising sector
Baodautu.vn cited Adam Sitkoff, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hà Nội as saying that US businesses were excited about opportunities in Việt Nam, especially in the LNG infrastructure.
However, to turn this interest into real investments, Việt Nam needed to demonstrate to international investors that large-scale infrastructure could be deployed under international banking standards.
It was crucial that LNG terminals and all buyers had to commit to progress along the same development timeline to unlock international funding, he said.
Under Power Plan VIII, 13 LNG power plants have been approved in Việt Nam with a total capacity of 24 GW. Of them, two plants, Nhơn Trạch III & IV and Hiệp Phước, are under construction, while the remaining 11 plants are still in the planning stage, of which three plants are still looking for potential sponsors.
According to FiinGroup, an integrated service provider of financial data, business information, and industry research, LNG would be a promising industry in Việt Nam.
Anh Nguyễn from FiinGroup said experienced foreign investors were showing great interest in the Vietnamese LNG market. She said that foreign giants such as ExxonMobil, Siemens Energy, General Electric and Millennium Energy were eager to implement projects in this sector. Their proven track records in LNG development and robust financial capabilities would position them well to make significant contributions to power plants in the country.
Despite the bright outlook, Việt Nam’s LNG industry still faces significant challenges in the short term. As it is a conditional business requiring numerous licences and certifications, the lengthy approval process often slows down project progress and complicates investment, baodautu.vn reported.
Many domestic investors found it difficult to secure funding and develop financing programmes due to the lack of clear guidance on production guarantees. — VNS
https://vietnamnet.vn/en/foreign-investors-keen-on-lng-infrastructure-in-viet-nam-2326347.html
show less
South Africa: TNPA moves towards implementing the Ngqura LNG Terminal
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), in collaboration with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), has approached the market for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), encouraging interested parties to submit proposals for the envisaged Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at the Port of Ngqura.
SHOW MORE
The Request For Proposals (RFP) process will see the appointment of a service provider
contracted to assess the environmental compliance and sustainability of the proposed LNG
terminal. This involves conducting a detailed analysis of ecological and local regulations to
determine critical environmental authorisations. These include a seismic survey, marine ecology, climate change impact assessment and socio-economic assessment to support the project.
The EIA process is carried out in tandem with negotiations of the Terminal Operator Agreement (TOA) between TNPA and Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF), to build and operate an onshore LNG regasification facility at the Port of Ngqura for 30 years. The appointment of SFF is the outcome of a Section 79 process and directive issued by the former Minister of Transport, in accordance with the National Ports Act of 2005.
“This milestone is a critical step towards the development of the LNG terminal at the Port of
Ngqura. Through its commercial seaports, TNPA is at the forefront of enabling the gas-to-power project pipeline whilst ensuring the security of supply and unlocking global opportunities for sustainable impact,” said Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto.
The Port of Ngqura LNG Terminal is one of 12 priority infrastructure projects announced in March 2024 that hold a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) status. The triad strategic partnership is fast-tracking the conclusion of the EAI, with the RFP closing on 30 October 2024. This partnership will also see the issuing of the RFP for Prefeasibility Studies by end September 2024.
Mameetse Masemola, the Acting Head of Infrastructure South Africa, supported TNPA’s
sentiment by saying: “ISA is established to provide strategic, technical and financial advisory support to project sponsors for the planning, preparation, development and implementation of national pipeline projects and strategic integrated projects. This project is one of the flagship projects which we are proud to support and excited that progress is moving at pace.”
show less
China: China to Launch New Import Terminal to Receive LNG From Exxon
Guangdong Energy Group of China is set to launch next week commercial operations at a new LNG import terminal, which U.S. supermajor ExxonMobil can use under a long-term agreement, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing industry sources.
The LNG receiving terminal in Huizhou in the province of Guangdong, southern China, has the capacity to handle 4 million metric tons of LNG per year and cost $1 billion to complete.
SHOW MORE
The LNG import site has already received its first LNG cargo. A shipment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived in August in a trial operation, according to Reuters’s sources.
ExxonMobil has been exploring opportunities to deliver LNG to China to advance the Chinese energy transition.
In September 2018, ExxonMobil and Guangdong Provincial People’s Government signed a strategic cooperation agreement for a proposed world-scale chemical complex and gas supply to the proposed Huizhou LNG terminal in southern China. In October 2018, ExxonMobil signed a heads of agreement to supply Zhejiang Provincial Energy Group with 1 million metric tons per year of LNG for 20 years, starting in the early 2020s.
In December 2023, Exxon agreed to use the new terminal to handle 1.8 million tons of the LNG per year under a 20-year agreement with Guangdong Energy, one of the sources with direct knowledge of the plans told Reuters.
Guangdong Energy, a utility that imports large volumes of gas, is backed by the provincial government.
A representative for ExxonMobil China confirmed to Reuters there is an agreement between the U.S. supermajor and the company for access to the LNG import terminal.
ExxonMobil, through its affiliates and LNG joint ventures, produces 23 metric tons per year of LNG globally. With LNG suppliers the U.S. supermajor currently delivers the super-chilled fuel to 30 countries.
Exxon considers its LNG operations advantaged assets with priority for development and growth, together with oil and gas production in the Permian, Guyana, and Brazil.
show less
LNG as a Marine Fuel/Shipping
Mexico: New Fortress Energy Ships First Full Cargo from Mexico’s Fast LNG Facility
New Fortress Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NFE) has marked a significant milestone in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market with the successful departure of the first full LNG cargo from its Fast LNG facility located offshore Altamira, Mexico.
The company announced that the Energos Princess, loaded with the inaugural shipment, has set sail for Europe, marking a pivotal moment for NFE’s proprietary Fast LNG technology.
SHOW MORE
The development comes on the heels of a crucial authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) granted earlier this month. The authorization permits NFE to export up to 1.4 million tonnes per annum of LNG to non-Free Trade Agreement countries from the Fast LNG 1 facility for a five-year term. Combined with a previous approval for Free Trade Agreement countries, the authorization enables NFE to supply LNG globally.
“Natural gas and power supply are critical components of a sustainable, affordable, and cleaner energy system and we’re excited to be able to provide our own gas supply to the world markets and our customers,” said Wes Edens, Chairman and CEO of New Fortress Energy.
Edens previously commented on the DOE authorization: “This important authorization cements NFE’s position as a leading global vertically integrated gas to power company and enhances the marketability of our FLNG 1 asset. NFE is now able to freely supply cheaper and cleaner natural gas to underserved markets across the world and further our goal of accelerating the world’s energy transition.”
The development positions New Fortress Energy as a key player in the global LNG market. The company’s proprietary Fast LNG design is the first of its kind, pairing the latest advancements in modular liquefaction technology with jack up rigs or similar offshore infrastructure to enable a faster deployment schedule than traditional liquefaction facilities.
The Fast LNG 1 facility is the first of two FLNG production units that comprise NFE’s Fast LNG Altamira export project on Mexico’s east coast. The project is supplied with U.S. natural gas via the Sur de Texas-Tuxpan pipeline, which extends from US-Mexico border in Brownsville, Texas, to Tuxpan, Veracruz. As the facility uses natural gas sourced from the United States, LNG exports from this project require regulatory approvals from the U.S. DOE.
A ruling from earlier this year by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection permits the company to transport U.S.-sourced LNG produced at the facility using non-U.S. qualified vessels without violating the Jones Act. This ruling is significant because it allows NFE to sell and deliver LNG produced at the Fast LNG facility to U.S. locations—most notably Puerto Rico, a key market for the company.
https://gcaptain.com/new-fortress-energy-ships-first-full-cargo-from-mexicos-fast-lng-facility/
show less
Philippines: Manila International Container Terminal welcomes first green ship
Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the flagship of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) at the Port of Manila, received the inaugural call of CMA CGM Passion—the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container vessel to dock at the terminal—on 26 September.
SHOW MORE
The 7,327-TEU CMA CGM Passion operates under CNC’s KCS service, which offers direct sailings between South China and the Philippines. This weekly service connects key ports in China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, including Xingang, Dalian, Lianyungang, Qingdao, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Manila. It also provides one of the fastest transit times from Qingdao to Singapore and Indonesia.
“This landmark call reinforces our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of MICT’s operations, which include investing in hybrid rubber-tired gantries that require less fuel and generate cleaner emissions. We hope to handle more green ships as the industry moves towards decarbonization,” said Christian Lozano, MICT chief operating officer.
MICT’s efforts to minimize its environmental footprint have been recognized by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Port Services Network with a green port status. Recent initiatives include improved wastewater management, circular economy practices, and biodiversity protection.
The CMA CGM Passion is also the largest capacity boxship handled by MICT to date. With the capability to accommodate the largest vessels being cascaded to the Philippines, MICT is well-positioned to enhance the country’s foreign trade by promoting stronger trade connectivity and making the Port of Manila more globally competitive.
https://www.ajot.com/news/manila-international-container-terminal-welcomes-first-green-ship
show less
Philippines: Landmark docking: Razon’s ICTSI handles Largest LNG-powered container ship in the Philippines
Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the local flagship facility of ultra bilyonaryo Ricky Razon’s International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), welcomed the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container vessel to dock at the terminal.
SHOW MORE
The 7,327-TEU CMA GGM Passion vessel connects major ports across China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, offering direct weekly sailings between Xingang, Dalian, Qingdao, Singapore, Jakarta, and Manila. It is known for its fast transit time from Qingdao to Singapore/Indonesia.
“This landmark call reinforces our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of MICT’s operations, which include investing in hybrid rubber-tired gantries that require less fuel and generate cleaner emissions. We hope to handle more green ships as the industry moves towards decarbonization,” said Christian Lozano, MICT chief operating officer.
MICT’s environmental sustainability efforts have been recognized with “green port” status by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Port Services Network. These initiatives include improved wastewater management, circular economy practices, and biodiversity protection.
Additionally, CMA CGM Passion is the largest capacity container vessel ever handled by MICT. With the terminal’s ability to accommodate such large vessels, MICT is positioned to strengthen the Philippines’ foreign trade by promoting greater trade connectivity and enhancing the Port of Manila’s global competitiveness.
CNC, headquartered in Singapore, is a leading intra-Asia short-sea shipping specialist and a fully integrated subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group.
show less
US: US player ships first LNG cargo from offshore facility
New Fortress Energy has shipped its first liquefied natural gas export from its Fast LNG floating facility offshore Altamira, Mexico, the US energy infrastructure company said Monday.
SHOW MORE
The cargo was loaded onto the Energos Princess and is setting sail for Europe, according to New Fortress Energy.
Fast LNG, which New Fortress developed with Mexican state-owned utility CFE, first began production in July. The Altamira facility sources gas from the Sur de Texas-Tuxpan pipeline.
“This is a significant milestone for our Fast LNG installation. Natural gas and power supply are critical components of a sustainable, affordable, and cleaner energy system and we’re excited to be able to provide our own gas supply to the world markets and our customers,” New Fortress chief executive Wes Edens said in a statement.
show less
Technological Development for Cleaner and Greener Environment Hydrogen & Bio-Methane
Plans progress for large solar farm and gas plant on edge of Swindon
A proposal to build a solar farm and natural gas production plant on a farmer’s field just to the north of Swindon is almost certainly on its way. Rivan Industries Ltd, which runs gas production plants, has put in query to planners at Swindon Borough Council to ask if an environmental impact assessment would be needed for the plan to install solar panels and the gas production plant on a field north of Blunsdon, off Little Rose Lane.
SHOW MORE
As well as the panels, the production plant would be equivalent to 15 40-foot shipping containers sited on the field.
Such requests are commonly a precursor to a full planning application.
Rivan Industries produced renewable natural gas by heating limestone to release carbon dioxide that it has absorbed from the air. Meanwhile, water molecules are separated using electricity into hydrogen and oxygen.
The hydrogen and carbon dioxide and then heated in a reactor to produce the gas that would be fed directly into the gas grid via a pipeline.
The solar panels would be needed to create the energy for the gas production process.
The screening opinion request says: “Rivan Industries is a synthetic fuel developer on a mission to remove the 12 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere by heavy industry every year. Rivan’s innovative solar-powered synthetic fuel modules generate renewable natural gas for use in hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation, chemical manufacturing, and steel making.”
The company says there will be no harmful emissions, and no need for tankers to be visiting the site out in the countryside: “During operation, the proposed development will only generate oxygen emissions to air – which is a by-product of hydrogen electrolysis. Oxygen is a harmless gas. No other gases are planned to be emitted to the air.
“The gas that is produced will be injected into the national gas pipeline network, which runs to the immediate south of the site, which will be connected via a pipeline. No fuels will be transported to and from the site by vehicular or other means.
It adds: “In terms of visual impact, the site is located in a relatively flat agricultural field which is well screened by dense, tall mature hedgerows. The surrounding land is also flat. Very distant views may be possible from the south where the land is elevated.”
If council officers decide an impact assessment is necessary, one will have to be added to the full application if and when it is lodged.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/plans-progress-large-solar-farm-040000554.html
show less
Mexico: Snubbed by Tesla, Mexican Government Pledges to Create its Own Small, Affordable Electric Car
Snubbed by Tesla TSLA-Q, Mexico’s new president pledged Friday to create a Mexican-made small, affordable electric car to compete with vehicles imported from China. President Claudia Sheinbaum said Teslas were too “onerous,” or expensive, for the Mexican market anyway. Tesla’s cheapest car, the Model 3, costs about $30,000. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in July the company had “paused” plans for a plant in Mexico, citing Donald Trump’s remarks about possible auto tariffs. Sheinbaum said her government will try to bring together Mexican companies and researchers to produce a “compact, cheap electric car.”
“The idea is to use Mexican companies and Mexican researchers’ ingenuity, to bring them together to assemble this electric car,” Sheinbaum said. “The idea is to create production chains so that this entire electric car is made in our country.”
SHOW MORE
She cited electric vehicles from China and India — some of which are already flooding into Mexico — as examples. Small electric motorbikes from China have flooded Mexican streets in recent months, but Sheinbaum said motorbikes, which in Mexico are often ridden by three people at a time, were too dangerous.
The plan faces a number of problems, including the fact that Mexico doesn’t produce any lithium, the key ingredient for batteries, nor any mass quantity of batteries. High domestic electricity rates could also be a roadblock.
There are some clay-encased lithium deposits in northern Mexico, which the government nationalized under the last administration. However, Sheinbaum said the techniques for mining that lithium weren’t currently commercially viable, and that production from those sources was “a little bit more long term.”
And anybody seeking to charge a battery at home could face punishingly high bills. Mexico subsidizes low-level domestic power consumption at about 10 cents per kilowatt hour, a bit lower than the U.S. average
But a vastly higher rate kicks in for any electricity consumption above the minimal level, which is basically just enough to power a dozen light bulbs, a washing machine and a refrigerator.
Moreover, Mexico’s decrepit power lines and transmission facilities are barely able to keep up with current demand, let alone widespread at-home charging of vehicle batteries.
Sheinbaum did not say what sales price Mexico was aiming at for its ultra-small electrical car, but that could be another problem.
Some Mexican discount stores are offering a tiny mail-order Chinese electric car for about $1,000. It would be very hard for Mexican manufacturers to compete with that motorcycle-level price.
Mexico was stung after Tesla postponed plans to build a Gigafactory in the northern border state of Nuevo Leon earlier this year. The promise of the plant had sparked stiff competition among Mexican governors to get the facility.
Musk said in July “I think we need to see just where things stand after the election. Trump has said that he will put heavy tariffs on vehicles produced in Mexico. So it doesn’t make sense to invest a lot in Mexico if that is going to be the case.”
show less
Chinese Carmaker GAC Looks at Making EVs in Europe as Tariffs loom
Chinese state-owned carmaker GAC is exploring the manufacture of EVs in Europe to avoid EU tariffs, the general manager of its international business told Reuters on Sunday, joining a growing list of Chinese companies planning local production.
The company is among China’s largest automakers and is targeting 500,000 overseas sales by 2030. It does not yet sell EVs in Europe but will launch an electric SUV tailored to the European market at the Paris Auto Show, kicking off on Monday.
SHOW MORE
GAC still viewed Europe as an important market that was “relatively open” despite moves by the European Commission to impose tariffs on EVs made in China, Wei Heigang said, speaking in Paris ahead of the show.
“The tariffs issue definitely has an impact on us. However, all this can be overcome in the long term … I am positive there is going to be a way to get it all resolved,” he said.
“Local production would be one of the ways to resolve this,” he added. “We are very actively exploring this possibility.”
Discussions were at a very early stage and the company was still considering whether to build a new plant or share – or take over – an existing one, according to Wei.
The compact SUV on display in Paris, a 520-kilometre range vehicle called “Aion V”, should launch in some European markets in mid-2025, priced at less than 40,000 euros ($43,748), though the final price has not yet been set, GAC said.
After that launch, the next GAC vehicle due for sale in Europe will be a small electric hatchback, to be released in late 2025.
Chinese Carmaker GAC Looks at Making EVs in Europe as Tariffs loom
show less