GAIL (India), a leading natural gas company with diverse interests across the natural gas value chain, has signed an MoU with Shell Energy India to explore opportunities in different facets of the energy value chain. The move is aimed at achieving improved sustainability in GAIL’s business operations.
To diversify the feedstock for its petrochemical plant, GAIL is planning to import ethane from ethane-surplus countries with mature export terminal infrastructure through water-borne transportation to India, and then transport it further through GAIL’s pipeline systems to demand centers.
According to a statement from GAIL, the MoU envisages exploring prospects in the import and handling of different hydrocarbons, including LNG for road transport, regasification of imported LNG, renewables, and other important chemical and petrochemical precursors.
GAIL owns and operates a vast network of natural gas pipelines across India, spanning approximately 14,830 km. It is also concurrently working on the execution of multiple pipeline projects to enhance its reach further.
With a market share of around 68% in gas transmission and a gas trading share of over 53% in India, GAIL and its subsidiaries/joint ventures have a formidable market share in city gas distribution. In the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, GAIL has a significantly large portfolio, and it is expanding its presence in renewable energy such as solar, wind, and biofuel.