Oil India Limited and TotalEnergies Forge Strategic Collaborations in Offshore Drilling and Methane Emissions Management
Paris, November 2024| Oil India Limited (OIL) and TotalEnergies have announced two significant collaborations aimed at powering India’s energy sector and advancing global decarbonization efforts.
On November 18, 2024, OIL and TotalEnergies signed a Technical Service Agreement in Paris, focusing on the drilling of stratigraphic wells in Indian offshore waters. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, is set to enhance hydrocarbon exploration and development in deep and ultra-deep offshore acreages. By acquiring critical subsurface data and conducting Petroleum System Modelling studies, the campaign aims to unlock the hydrocarbon potential of India’s offshore basins.
The partnership will leverage TotalEnergies’ expertise in deep and ultra-deep offshore
drilling, marking a major milestone in India’s efforts to boost offshore hydrocarbon exploration. The collaboration is also expected to attract global investment in India’s exploration and production (E&P) sector, driving innovation and exploration in the country’s offshore waters.
In a related development, on November 19, 2024, OIL and TotalEnergies signed a Cooperation Agreement to deploy TotalEnergies’ cutting-edge AUSEA technology for methane emissions detection and measurement at OIL sites in India.
About AUSEA Technology
The AUSEA gas analyzer, developed by TotalEnergies and its R&D partners, represents a breakthrough in methane emissions management. Mounted on drones, it combines dual sensors capable of detecting methane and carbon dioxide emissions while pinpointing their sources. AUSEA’s ability to access hard-to-reach areas, both offshore and onshore, sets it apart from traditional methods, offering unmatched accuracy in identifying and quantifying emissions. By leveraging this technology, OIL aims to enhance monitoring capabilities and take significant steps toward reducing its carbon footprint.
This collaboration aligns with OIL’s recent membership in the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), an initiative launched at COP28 to achieve net-zero operations by 2050 and near-zero upstream methane emissions by 2030.
Industry Leadership and Commitments
Dr Ranjit Rath, Chairman & Managing Director of OIL, emphasising the significance of the pact said, “By joining OGDC, OIL reinforces India’s commitment to global decarbonization efforts while demonstrating our dedication to emissions reduction. Collaborating with TotalEnergies, a pioneer in methane detection, further strengthens our resolve.”
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating that, “This collaboration underscores the growing momentum of the OGDC initiative, which promotes industrial best practices. AUSEA campaigns now operate on every continent, aiding OGDC signatories in meeting their methane reduction goals.”
These strategic agreements not only advance hydrocarbon exploration and emissions management but also reaffirm India’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and environmental responsibility on the global stage.
