A step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in critical mineral security and clean energy innovation
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Energy Centre Trust (OECT) has signed an agreement with Engineers India Limited (EIL) to establish the country’s first Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant at Kuthalam, Tamil Nadu. The project, worth ₹39.42 crore, marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of critical mineral security and indigenous innovation.
The announcement comes in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Independence Day 2025 address, where he underscored India’s bold steps under the National Critical Minerals Mission. The Mission is currently exploring 1,200 sites across the country to secure access to key minerals vital for energy, defence, and industrial growth.
Helium, a non-renewable and globally scarce resource, plays an indispensable role in space exploration, semiconductors, fibre optics, cryogenics, and advanced medical technologies. At present, India is dependent on imports for high-grade Helium. ONGC’s initiative to recover Grade-A Helium of 99.995% purity from natural gas will help reduce this dependence and strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Speaking on the development, ONGC officials stated that the Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant would serve as a proof of concept for future commercial facilities, showcasing India’s ability to leverage indigenous technologies for critical resource recovery. The partnership with EIL is expected to accelerate the project’s implementation, ensuring global standards in safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
