Tamil Nadu is getting ready for piped gas for domestic and industrial use. Impressed by Gujarat’s prosperity built on gas, for three decades IE has been demanding this facility.
Indian Oil has constructed a sophisticated terminal at Kamarajar Port for importing 5 million tonnes (expandable upto 10 million) per annum of liquefied natural gas. Two massive, hitech tanks each with capacity of 180,000 cu.m. have been constructed to receive and store imported LNG. The draught of the sea is being increased to handle large capacity LNG ships. The needed re-gasification facilities have been erected along with the utilities, safety systems…
Natural gas is a source of primary energy used as a fuel/feedstock. It has much higher energy content than refined petroleum products, lighter than other fuels, environment and process- friendly and much cheaper than liquid fuels.
Gujarat accounts for the lion’s share of India’s natural gas consumption feeding large capacity fertilizer, power, steel, chemical, ceramic tile and other factories, public transportation and domestic consumers to great benefit. With LNG prices falling and with long term contracts, it can be a game changer for Tamil Nadu’s development.
A pipeline has already been constructed to take LNG to Manali. There are impressive plans to take gas to different parts of the state, especially to large industrial concentrations. This vital raw material can help Tamil Nadu greatly sizeup in industrial investments.
The facility has been created at a cost of around Rs.5500 crore.
Think of the prospect of the Chennaiites bidding goodbye to the uncouth red LPG cylinders and graduate to the elegant and cheaper LNG at the turn of the switch! And the cities and villages too getting ready for the gas era! – SV
