Guwahati, Feb 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed the state's pivotal role in India's energy sector, emphasizing its rich hydrocarbon reserves, skilled workforce, and expanding oil and gas infrastructure. Speaking at the concluding session of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Infrastructure and Investment Summit, Sarma highlighted Assam’s contribution to the country’s energy security and its potential for future growth.
Assam’s Legacy in the Oil and Gas Industry
Assam has been at the forefront of India's oil industry, housing four operational refineries with a combined refining capacity of 7.45 million metric tonnes (MMT). The state plays a crucial role in ensuring an uninterrupted energy supply for the nation. Sarma pointed out that Assam holds 12% of India’s natural gas reserves and produces 50% of the country’s onshore natural gas, making it a strategic player in the national energy landscape.The thematic session, "Unlocking Assam's Energy Potential: Building Future-Ready Oil and Gas Infrastructure, Innovation, and Investment Aligned with Global Energy Transitions," focused on key initiatives to develop the state's energy infrastructure while aligning with global energy shifts.
Petrochemical Sector and Revenue Growth
The petrochemical sector in Assam significantly contributes to state revenues, with major players like Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL), Assam Petro-chemicals Limited (APL), and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) generating over ₹11,700 crore annually in royalties and taxes.Sarma projected an optimistic outlook for the hydrocarbon industry, stating that by 2030, crude oil availability in Assam is expected to double, while natural gas production will increase from 3.2 to 6.3 billion cubic meters (BCM).
Infrastructure Expansion and Connectivity
Key infrastructure projects are strengthening Assam’s energy distribution network, including:- Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline (BGPL): Connecting Assam to the national gas grid.
- 1,670 km North East Gas Grid (NEGG): Enhancing regional connectivity for seamless energy distribution.
- City Gas Distribution (CGD) network: Rapidly expanding, with 22 CNG stations across Assam, promoting cleaner energy solutions.
Green Energy Initiatives and Future Prospects
Assam is also making strides in renewable energy. Oil India Limited (OIL) has commissioned India’s first Green Hydrogen plant in Jorhat, producing 10 kg per day using solar power. Collaborative efforts with IIT Guwahati aim to integrate green hydrogen into transportation and industrial applications.The energy transition space presents significant investment opportunities, particularly in green hydrogen, green ammonia, sustainable aviation fuels, compressed biogas, and smart chemicals.
Virtual Inaugurations of New Projects
During the event, Sarma also virtually inaugurated several CNG retail projects in Kokrajhar and Amguri, marking further advancements in Assam’s clean energy infrastructure.With ambitious goals set for 2030 and beyond, Assam is steadily emerging as a petrochemical hub, fostering industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable energy solutions.
