HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, April 21: Cairn Oil & Gas has commenced test production from its Hazarigaon field in Assam – becoming the first company in the Northeast to commence gas flow from a DSF block. The gas produced by Cairn Oil & Gas is evacuated through a main trunk pipeline, and a gas cascading system to AGCL. The gas evacuation from the field will be used by tea growers among other industries. Additionally, the gas cascading system will enable gas from Hazarigaon to be a prime contributor in fueling 100 CNG buses that will be plying in Guwahati as part of the clean energy initiative of the Government of Assam.
The milestone was celebrated at the inauguration of the CNG Station at Hazarigaon well site in Naharbari, Golaghat in Assam by Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, in the presence of public representatives, state officials, senior members of AGCL and Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta Limited.
Commenting on the new production asset, Nick Walker, CEO of Cairn Oil & Gas, said, “We are delighted to become the first company to commence operations from a DSF block in the North-East region. The region holds significant potential and is a key focus for us at Cairn Oil & Gas as we move towards our goal of doubling production and supporting energy security for the country. Our partnership with the Government of Assam will not only drive the state’s clean energy transition but also contribute to its overall economic development. The state has a significant potential for unlocking hydrocarbon reserves and with government support, infrastructure, and fast-tracked approvals to continue exploration activities, the region can support India’s vision to be self-reliant in oil and gas.”
Further, Cairn Oil & Gas entered into a Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) with AGCL that laid down the infrastructure for the distribution of cleaner fuel to the industry through pipelines. The company is working closely with AGCL and other infrastructure companies to make gas accessible to industries in Assam. By the end of April, evacuation of gas in Hazarigaon is expected to ramp up as tea industry demand increases.