Great Eastern Energy Corporation hopes to start exploration for natural gas in Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu, by the year-end.
The company already operates 128 wells at Raniganj, West Bengal, producing 11.2 million cubic feet per day of compressed natural gas (CNG). It was awarded a 667 sq km block in Mannargudi in 2010.
Environmental clearance and a petroleum exploration licence have been received. “We are waiting for a few minor procedural approvals from the State Government. Once that is done, we hope to start drilling by December,” said Prashant Modi, President and CEO.
According to the Directorate-General of Hydrocarbons, the estimated gas in place at the Mannargudi block is 0.98 trillion cubic feet (TCF).
In the exploration phase, the company will create 30 pilot production wells to assess the feasibility and quality of the geology — namely the coal, lignite and gas content.
Based on the results, the company plans to set up 50 core wells for commercial production. “It could take a few years for commercial supply,” said Modi.