Agartala: In a bid to meet the rising demand for natural gas, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) Tripura Asset has set a target to ramp up production to 4 MMSCMD annually.
The state’s largest energy producer is currently generating 3.5 MMSCMD of natural gas, supplying three major gas-based power plants, including OTPC in Gomati district.
Speaking at a press conference in Agartala, ONGC Chief General Manager Roopesh Kumar Sharan outlined the company’s expansion plans, stating that the production increase is expected within the next year.
ONGC Tripura Asset currently operates 95 gas-producing wells, with 17 to 18 wells explored annually. Sharan noted that the exploration success rate in the Northeast stands at around 50%, aligning with the national average. Seven drilling rigs are actively deployed to further boost output.
Addressing concerns over reduced gas supply to the OTPC-run Palatana power plant, Sharan confirmed that the supply has been enhanced. The plant, which has a total capacity of 726 MW, had seen its generation drop to 400 MW due to technical reasons, though 100 MW of power continues to be exported to Bangladesh.
Sharan also provided an update on the Indradhanush Gas Grid Ltd (IGGL) project, stating that Tripura is expected to be connected by September next year. Once integrated, the gas grid will ensure a steady supply for power generation and industrial use, eliminating existing constraints in the region.