The project, valued at ₹39.42 crore (plus applicable GST), is scheduled for completion within 18 months, according to a statement.
Under the agreement, EIL will prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Basic Engineering Design Package (BEDP), and implement the project under an EPCM and Supply model, covering design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and performance testing.
Based on a technology package developed by CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), the plant will recover Grade-A Helium of 99.995% purity from natural gas. It will process 750 Nm³/hr of natural gas, with flexibility to operate at 110% of the design capacity.
Helium, a strategic resource with applications in space exploration, semiconductor manufacturing, cryogenics, fibre optics, and medical technologies, is currently fully imported to meet India’s requirements. Indigenous production is therefore seen as critical for strengthening technological capability and ensuring energy security.
According to ONGC, the Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant marks a milestone in building domestic capacity in high-value gases. The initiative is aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and aims to bolster India’s long-term energy and technology security.
Through this collaboration, OECT and EIL will execute India’s first-of-its-kind Helium recovery project, integrating advanced R&D with industrial application.
