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Will help supply of coal-bed methane

Pratim Ranjan Bose

Kolkata, July 29 Great Eastern Energy Corporation Ltd (GEECL) has started negotiations with Durgapur Projects Ltd (DPL) for revival of an abandoned gas pipeline from Durgapur to Kolkata.

The pipeline, if revived, would help GEECL supply coal-bed methane (CBM) in and around Kolkata.

The 200-km pipeline was created by DPL – a State undertaking – for transporting coal-gas and has not been in use for almost two decades.

GEECL has begun commercial production of coal-bed methane at Ranigunj block some 50 km from Durgapur.

This is also the first time natural gas or its derivatives are available in West Bengal and the entire Eastern region.

“We have initiated discussions with DPL and may soon launch a study to asses the current status of the pipeline,” the GEECL Chairman Mr Y.K. Modi, told Business Line.

Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants (India) Ltd (MECON), which is currently studying the marketing prospects of CBM in the nearby towns and industrial areas on behalf of GEECL, may be entrusted with the job of assessing the status of the trunk pipeline.

The proposal has received support of the State Government, which is eager to introduce CNG supply in Kolkata to curb vehicular pollution in the city.

According to the company, since the pipeline was created to transport coal gas – which is more inflammable due to high content of impurities and corrosion agents like coal tar and sulphur – it may be suited for transportation of CBM, which has lower impurity content and is less flammable.

GEECL currently produces close to one million cubic ft of gas a day (mmcfd) from 23 wells.

The production is expected to go up to two million standard cubic metres a day (70 mmscmd) from 100 wells at the end of the first phase of development in two years.

The production is expected to go up to six mmscmd after completion of the second phase, from a total of 300 wells.

More Stories on : Announcements | Petroleum | West Bengal

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GEECL in talks with Durgapur Projects for gas pipeline revival

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