Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), India’s premier oil and gas producer, is spearheading an ambitious environmental initiative aimed at achieving zero methane emissions by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Key Aspects of ONGC’s Initiative:
- Reduction of Gas Flaring: ONGC has already made substantial progress in reducing gas flaring, a process where methane gas produced during oil extraction is burned. The company’s goal is to eliminate avoidable flaring entirely by 2030.
- Elimination of Methane Emissions: Alongside reducing gas flaring, ONGC is focused on achieving a zero level of methane emissions by 2030. Methane, being a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, poses significant environmental risks when leaked into the atmosphere.
- Transition to Green Power: ONGC plans to replace natural gas used for electricity generation and other processes with green power. By 2028, the company intends to supply green electricity to its installations, notably the Mumbai Offshore fields on the Arabian Sea, thus replacing natural gas and freeing it for sale to other industries.
Global Context and Collaborations:
ONGC’s initiative is part of a global movement toward reducing methane emissions, in line with the Global Methane Pledge and other international agreements. The Global Methane Pledge, in particular, has garnered support from various countries and organizations, setting a collective goal to reduce methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. This includes policies and national commitments from major oil and gas methane emitters like the European Union, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Egypt, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and others.
Industry-Wide Efforts and the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter:
At COP28, the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter was launched, marking a significant step in the industry’s commitment to climate action. This charter emphasizes the need for implementing best practices to collectively reduce emission intensity and support the development of all economies. It calls for transparency in measurement, reporting, and independent verification of emissions. The charter also highlights the role of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) and various technical experts in assisting companies to meet their methane emissions and flaring goals.
ONGC’s Role in the Global Energy Landscape:
ONGC’s chairman, Arun Kumar Singh, has emphasized the pivotal role India and ONGC play in the global energy landscape. India’s share in global primary energy consumption is expected to rise to 9.8% by 2050, while its share in cumulative global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been relatively low considering its population size. This reflects India’s and ONGC’s commitment to a paradigm shift in energy consumption, focusing on cleaner, greener, and sustainable alternatives.
Conclusion:
ONGC’s initiative for zero methane emissions by 2030 is a critical part of the global effort to address climate change. It demonstrates the importance of collective action and innovation in tackling environmental challenges. By aligning with global commitments and spearheading initiatives in green energy, ONGC is setting a precedent for environmental responsibility in the oil and gas sector.