The ONGC Energy Centre Trust (OECT) has signed an agreement with Engineers India Ltd. (EIL) to establish a Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant at ONGC's Kuthalam Gas Collection Station in Tamil Nadu. 

The project, valued at Rs 39.42 crore, aims to create indigenous capability for helium production.

The plant will be the first of its kind in India, utilizing technology developed by CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum to recover Grade-A Helium with 99.995% purity from natural gas. 

This is of immense strategic importance as India currently imports helium for high-tech applications in space exploration, semiconductor manufacturing, cryogenics, and medical technologies.

The project's scope includes the preparation of a Detailed Project Report and the execution of the plant through an EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management) model. 

The demonstration plant will process 750 Nm³/hr of natural gas and is scheduled for completion within 18 months. This collaboration between OECT and EIL is a significant step towards achieving the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" vision by building self-reliance in this critical, high-value gas.