ONGC Energy Centre Trust (OECT), the research and development arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), has signed an agreement with Engineers India Limited (EIL) on 18 August 2025 for setting up a Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant at ONGC’s Kuthalam Gas Collection Station in the Cauvery Asset, Tamil Nadu.

The agreement covers preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), Basic Engineering Design Package (BEDP), and project execution under an EPCM and Supply model. This includes design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and performance testing.

The project will use a technology package developed by CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) to recover Grade-A helium of 99.995 per cent purity from natural gas. The demonstration plant is designed to process 750 Nm³/hr of natural gas, with flexibility to operate at up to 110 per cent of design capacity.

The total contract is valued at Rs 394 million (plus GST), with completion targeted within 18 months.

Helium, a critical resource used in space exploration, semiconductors, cryogenics, fibre optics, and medical technologies, is currently imported to meet India’s needs. Developing domestic recovery capability is therefore a strategically important step for the nation’s technological advancement and energy security.

The Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant marks a milestone in ONGC’s efforts to develop indigenous capabilities in high-value gases. The collaboration with EIL reinforces ONGC’s commitment to “Energy Now and Next”, combining advanced research with industrial application to support India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.