The Samudra Manthan Mission could open new opportunities for India’s energy exploration, according to Oil India CMD Dr Ranjit Rath. The mission will expand exploration across deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas and make around 1 million sq km of maritime territory available for exploration.
Key Highlights
- OIL CMD Dr Ranjit Rath sees major potential in the Samudra Manthan Mission.
- Around 1 million sq km of maritime territory will be opened for exploration.
- The government plans around $8 billion investment in deep-sea exploration.
- Around $2.4 billion is planned for offshore data acquisition.
- OIL and IIT Guwahati are developing technologies for energy and bio-based applications.
Oil India Limited (OIL) is expanding its focus on research, innovation and startups as India looks to strengthen its energy capabilities. OIL Chairman and Managing Director Dr Ranjit Rath said the company is working with IIT Guwahati on technology projects and startups with potential applications across the energy sector.
The collaboration aims to combine industry expertise with academic research. It is also focused on developing commercially relevant technologies for the energy ecosystem.
Samudra Manthan Mission to Expand Energy Exploration
Rath described the Samudra Manthan Mission as a major opportunity for India’s energy security. The initiative could expand exploration for oil and gas in deepwater and ultra-deepwater regions.
The mission plans to make around one million square kilometres of maritime territory available for exploration. The areas include regions along India’s eastern and western coasts, its Exclusive Economic Zone and the Andaman Basin.
Greater access to offshore areas could help India assess new hydrocarbon prospects. It could also strengthen the country’s domestic exploration capabilities.
Samudra Manthan Mission Backed by Deep-Sea Investment
The government has prepared a plan involving around $8 billion for deep-sea exploration. This includes approximately $2.4 billion for data acquisition.
High-quality geological and geophysical data is critical for evaluating offshore formations. It also helps companies identify areas with potential hydrocarbon resources.
Higher investment in exploration data could improve the understanding of India’s offshore energy potential. It could also support future exploration campaigns and investment decisions.
OIL and IIT Guwahati Advance Energy Innovation
OIL is also working with IIT Guwahati on innovation-led projects. One project focuses on developing enzymes to improve ethanol production and productivity from bamboo-based feedstock.
The technology could increase the value of locally available biomass. It could also support alternative fuels and other bio-based applications.
OIL is also supporting initiatives such as the MC²+ Ignite Challenge. These programmes aim to encourage startups, promote emerging technologies and strengthen cooperation between energy companies and academic institutions.
Samudra Manthan Mission Could Strengthen Energy Security
The combination of offshore exploration, research and technology development could broaden India’s energy capabilities.
The Samudra Manthan Mission could strengthen India’s deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration efforts. At the same time, OIL’s partnerships in biofuels, startups and deep-tech could support the development of new energy solutions.
Together, these initiatives could contribute to India’s energy security, expand domestic exploration capabilities and create new opportunities across the energy technology ecosystem.
Source: Sarkaritel
