Energy collaboration between ONGC Energy Centre Trust and Engineers India Limited, leading to the establishment of a helium recovery demonstration plant in Kuthalam, Tamil Nadu.
India Establishes First Industrial-Scale Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant
India is set to bolster its energy and technology sectors with the establishment of its first industrial-scale Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant. The project, based on a technology package developed by CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, is being established at ONGC's Kuthalam Gas Collection Station in the Cauvery Asset, Tamil Nadu.
The initiative is a joint venture between ONGC Energy Centre Trust (OECT), ONGC's R&D arm, and Engineers India Limited (EIL). The collaboration, formalized by an agreement signed on August 18, 2025, aims to recover Grade-A helium of 99.995% purity from natural gas.
Strategically, helium is a critical, finite resource extensively used in space exploration, semiconductor manufacturing, cryogenics, fiber optics, and medical industries. Currently, India imports helium to meet its demands. This indigenous recovery initiative addresses the strategic need for self-reliance ("Atmanirbhar Bharat") in helium supply, reinforcing India’s energy security and technological independence for advanced and critical sectors.
The project covers the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), Basic Engineering Design Package (BEDP), and execution through a comprehensive EPCM and supply model encompassing design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and performance testing. The total project cost is approximately Rs 39.42 crore (plus applicable GST), and completion is scheduled within 18 months from the agreement signing date.
The Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant represents a significant milestone in ONGC's journey towards building indigenous capabilities in high-value gases. It is also a part of ONGC's commitment to Energy Now and Next by integrating cutting-edge research with practical industrial application.
Establishing indigenous capability in helium recovery is of strategic importance for the country's technological advancement. The plant, designed to process 750 Nm³ per hour of natural gas with operational flexibility up to 110% of this design capacity, is expected to contribute significantly to India's domestic helium supply.
This first-of-its-kind project in India reinforces the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by addressing India's long-term energy and technology security needs. The recovery of high-purity helium from natural gas is a significant step towards reducing India's reliance on imported helium, thereby enhancing the country's energy security and technological independence.
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