India’s state-owned utility and LNG importer, GAIL, has revealed plans to liquefy and distribute LNG to off-grid locations and the transport sector.
With this “first-of-its kind endeavour” in India, GAIL aims to enter into distributed LNG production segment, the firm said in a statement on Tuesday.
In that regard, GAIL has placed an order for two small-scale liquefaction skids capable of producing LNG on a pilot basis, it said.
Also, the firm said it would achieve liquefaction through proprietary technology-based mobile liquefaction skids.
These plants would help in distribution of natural gas through liquefaction in new CGD areas, liquefaction of gas at isolated fields, and would support setting up LNG fueling stations and in bunkering.
GAIL said it would become the first company in the country to introduce portable and scalable liquefaction units.
Furthermore, GAIL is also in talks for manufacturing liquefaction skids in India, it said.
“The project is envisaged to provide a thrust to Government of India’s focused initiatives to increase the share of natural gas in the primary energy basket,” the firm said.
Gail holds a stake in India’s largest LNG importer, Petronet LNG, and buys volumes under long-term LNG deals from Russia, Qatar, and the US.
The firm also charters LNG carriers and operates the 5 mtpa Dabhol LNG terminal in India.