(a) whether the Government has set a target to raise the share of natural gas in the country’s energy mix to 15% by 2030 from about 6.2% now to cut India‘s carbon footprint;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether high prices threaten India‘s goal to boost the use of gas in its energy mix as some industries are looking at switching back to coal and petcoke; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
(SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)
(a) and (b): Yes, Sir. The Government has set a target to raise the share of natural gas in energy mix to 15% in 2030 from about 6.7% now. To achieve the target, following initiatives have been taken:-
i). Expansion of National Gas Grid to about 35,000 Km from current 20,000 Km.
ii). Expansion of CGD network -11th CGD round launched on 17.09.2021. After completion of 11th city gas distribution (CGD) round, 96% of India’s population and 86% of its geographic area would be covered under CGD network.
iii). Setting up of LNG Terminals.
iv). Allocation of domestic gas to CNG (T) / PNG (D) in no cut category.
v). Allowing marketing and pricing freedom to gas produced from high pressure/high temperature areas, deep water & ultra-deep water and from coal seams.
vi). SATAT initiatives to promote Bio-CNG.
(c) and (d) : Considering the demand of natural gas across sectors and the possibility of price of LNG coming down in future, current high prices do not threaten India’s goal to boost the use of gas in its energy mix.
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