Page 42 - Policy Economic Report - June 2024

POLICY AND ECONOMIC REPORT
OIL & GAS MARKET

Highlighting the government’s dedication to integrating green hydrogen in the refining process, Shri Puri
said that green hydrogen plants at refineries in Panipat (10 KTA), Mathura (5 KTA), and Paradeep (10 KTA)
will be installed soon. “First green hydrogen plant (10 MW) was commissioned on 27th May 2024, even
as elections were on. Many of our Oil PSUs are in the process of issuance of tender for supply of green
hydrogen. Green hydrogen station at Kochi has been commissioned for bus plying from Kochi Airport.”,
he added.

Talking about upcoming projects in refining sector, Shri Puri, said that BPCL is in advanced stage to set up
greenfield refineries and GAIL is also planning an ethane cracker unit for petrochemicals. “BPCL’s Bina
refinery is coming up and Cauvery Basin Refinery is also coming up by IOCL at Chennai”, he added.

Shri Suresh Gopi takes Charge as Minister of State for Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Shri Suresh Gopi, Member of Parliament from Thrissur, Kerala, has officially taken charge as the Minister
of State for the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Shri Gopi, who has been an influential figure in
various fields, steps into this role following his predecessor, Shri Rameswar Teli.

The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, extended a warm welcome to Shri
Gopi.

Born on June 26, 1958, in Alappuzha, Kerala, Gopi has had a distinguished career both in the
entertainment industry and public service. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and a Master
of Arts degree in English Literature from Fatima Mata National College in Kollam. His extensive background
includes serving as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 2016 to 2022, where he was known for
his advocacy on environmental issues and social justice.

Gopi’s entry into politics was marked by his commitment to philanthropy and social work. In the 2024
Indian General Elections, he has been elected as the Member of Parliament for Thrissur, representing the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His appointment as the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas
signifies the government’s trust in his abilities to oversee this critical sector.

Suresh Gopi is poised to bring his diverse experiences and passion for public service to the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas, aiming to drive innovation and efficiency in the sector.

Prime Minister of Nepal triggers the last blast of Head Race Tunnel of Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project in
Nepal

Prime Minister of Nepal Shri Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ triggered the last blast to mark the
completion of heading excavation for the 11.8 km long Head Race Tunnel of 900 MW Arun- 3 Hydro
Electric Project in Sankhuwasabha District of Nepal. Arun - 3 Hydro Electric Project is being executed by
SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company Pvt. Ltd. (SAPDC), a fully owned subsidiary of SJVN. SAPDC is
a significant collaboration between SJVN and the Government of Nepal, which aims to enhance regional
energy security and boost economic development through sustainable hydropower generation in Arun
River Basin.

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