ONGC Partners With Global Experts for Advanced Studies

22 Aug 2025 CW Team

The Minister noted that only a handful of organisations worldwide possess the expertise, proprietary software, advanced modelling techniques, and research infrastructure required for such complex studies. Among them is Beicip-Franlab, which operates under the control of Institut Français du Pétrole Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN), a leading research institute under France’s Ministry of Energy. IFPEN is internationally recognised for its deep- and ultra-deep-water studies and its patented reservoir modelling software.

Puri highlighted that ONGC has an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IFPEN, last renewed in 2023, to collaborate on joint research, hydrocarbon exploration, development projects, and the adoption of new technologies, including renewable energy solutions.

He further clarified that ONGC’s exploration and production projects follow Board-approved guidelines, aligned with the General Financial Rules (GFR) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) framework. Importantly, no consultancy contracts have been awarded to Beicip-Franlab in ONGC’s North Eastern Region. Across other regions, the total value of assignments given to the company in the past five years amounts to less than Rs 65 million, a negligible figure compared to ONGC’s scale of operations.

To put this in context, ONGC has reported an average Profit After Tax (PAT) of more than Rs 330 billion annually over the past five years, underscoring the minimal proportion of consultancy expenses relative to its overall business.

The Minister reaffirmed that ONGC’s partnerships with global experts such as IFPEN are designed to strengthen India’s technical capabilities and ensure efficient, cutting-edge exploration and production practices, while maintaining transparency and accountability in line with government regulations.

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, has emphasised that Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and a key contributor to India’s economy, engages with experienced global entities to conduct highly specialised technical studies. These include permeable reservoir modelling, deep-water subsurface analysis, and advanced data interpretation for production enhancement.The Minister noted that only a handful of organisations worldwide possess the expertise, proprietary software, advanced modelling techniques, and research infrastructure required for such complex studies. Among them is Beicip-Franlab, which operates under the control of Institut Français du Pétrole Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN), a leading research institute under France’s Ministry of Energy. IFPEN is internationally recognised for its deep- and ultra-deep-water studies and its patented reservoir modelling software.Puri highlighted that ONGC has an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IFPEN, last renewed in 2023, to collaborate on joint research, hydrocarbon exploration, development projects, and the adoption of new technologies, including renewable energy solutions.He further clarified that ONGC’s exploration and production projects follow Board-approved guidelines, aligned with the General Financial Rules (GFR) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) framework. Importantly, no consultancy contracts have been awarded to Beicip-Franlab in ONGC’s North Eastern Region. Across other regions, the total value of assignments given to the company in the past five years amounts to less than Rs 65 million, a negligible figure compared to ONGC’s scale of operations.To put this in context, ONGC has reported an average Profit After Tax (PAT) of more than Rs 330 billion annually over the past five years, underscoring the minimal proportion of consultancy expenses relative to its overall business.The Minister reaffirmed that ONGC’s partnerships with global experts such as IFPEN are designed to strengthen India’s technical capabilities and ensure efficient, cutting-edge exploration and production practices, while maintaining transparency and accountability in line with government regulations.

Technology

28 Oct 2025

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Infrastructure Transport

28 Oct 2025

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

Real Estate

28 Oct 2025

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..