India reached a major milestone in its quest for self-reliance with the recent extraction of the first oil from the Krishna-Godavri (KG) Block by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). ES Ranganathan, former Director at GAIL, praised this as a crucial step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, highlighting ONGC’s expertise and India’s dedication to energy independence. The extraction, located about 35 kilometers off the coast of Andhra Pradesh in the Bay of Bengal, is a significant achievement from the ‘M’ field within the KG-DWN-98/2 block.
ONGC utilized advanced technologies and innovative approaches to tap into the KG Block’s potential, showcasing India’s advancements in research and development. These include advanced seismic imaging, state-of-the-art drilling techniques, and efficient reservoir management. Challenges, such as the waxy nature of the crude, were overcome with innovative solutions like the ‘Pipe in Pipe’ technology.
This initiative aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, providing economic benefits such as boosting the domestic oil and gas sector, reducing import dependency, and creating job opportunities. The increased domestic oil production enhances India’s energy security and GDP, with estimates of reaching peak production of 45,000 barrels per day. ONGC’s commitment to ‘Make in India’ was evident in the majority of fabrication works conducted locally.
With India currently importing 85% of its crude oil requirements, domestic production is expected to save nearly Rs 11,000 crore annually, marking a significant reduction in foreign exchange outflow. The successful venture reflects India’s capabilities in deep-sea exploration and commitment to reducing oil imports.
As ONGC’s flagship project progresses, with the final phase set for production by mid-2024, this achievement signifies India’s journey towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It showcases ONGC’s technological prowess and India’s determination to reduce dependence on external sources for energy needs.