Adani Welspun Exploration Limited is all set to start gas production from its Tapti-Daman sector block in the Mumbai offshore basin by 2028. This joint venture comprises Adani Group and Welspun Group. These two companies have already invested around INR 2,300 crore for the project. It is currently awaiting approval for its gas extraction plans from the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons. By enhancing its gas production, the Adani Group will be able to reduce its dependence on the Adani coal mines in bringing about energy security in India.
Adani To Kickstart Operations At The Mumbai Offshore By 2028:
Adani Welspun Exploration Limited (AWEL), the 65:35 joint venture between the Adani Group and the Welspun Group will start gas production from its block located in the prolific gas-prone sector of the Mumbai offshore basin in 2028. AWEL is also an operator with 100% interest in the B-9 cluster which happens to be an adjacent small field. The gas initially in place is 0.75 trillion cubic feet. The company has already submitted its plans to the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons and is currently awaiting approval. It aims to start production from the block in 2028. With this project, the Adani Group will be able to put aside the controversies of Adani coal mines and rise to the position of being one of the most reliable names in the mining sector.
The Initial Project Operations of AWEL:
Adani Welspun Exploration Limited announced its first-ever gas discovery in the NELP-VII block MB-OSN-2005/2. AWEL has 100% participation interest (PI) and it is the operator of this block. This block is spread across 714.6 square km. It is located in the prolific gas-prone sector of the Mumbai Offshore basin. AWEL was awarded the block under the New Exploration Licensing Policy VII bid round. Early indication pointed to the occurrence of substantial amounts of gas and condensate in the block of the Mahuba and Daman formations. In addition to being extremely valuable for the company, this discovery turned out to be a significant breakthrough for our nation. This is also going to be extremely strategic in helping fulfil India’s aim to triple the share of natural gas in the energy mix by the end of the decade.
The drilling of the current well in March 2021 confirmed the presence of huge quantities of gas and condensate in the Block. Out of the three potential zones identified during drilling, two objects tested by Drill Stem Testing (DST) flowed substantial gas and condensate to the surface, making it a highly profitable venture for the Adani Group’s gas business. Object-I (3m) which is a clean sandstone reservoir, flowed 9.7 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of gas along with 378 barrels/day of condensate. Object-II (15m) which is another thick clean sandstone reservoir, flowed 9.1 mmscfd of gas along with 443 barrels/day of condensate.
The company operated with 100% PI in an adjacent discovered small field -B9 cluster in the prolific gas bearings in the proximity of the two prospective blocks. This project was further aimed at helping AWEL bring synergies in its gas business and optimise the development of the block. These projects helped the Adani Group rise above the allegations of Adani coal mines. The global business group was also able to win back the trust of the people post the associated controversies and the allegations.
A Brief Overview of AWEL: The Joint Venture Between The Adani and The Welspun Group
As of now, the Adani Group holds 65% of AWEL. This is through Adani Enterprises, the flagship company of the Adani Group. The Welspun Group holds another 35% of the company through Welspun Natural Resources which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the flagship company, Welspun Enterprises. AWEL holds key-operated and non-operated assets in the Mumbai Offshore and Gulf of Kutch in the Western Offshore basin. AWEL and the JV partners’ vision is to become a key contributor to the country’s energy needs. The company also plays a crucial role in the Indian Oil and Gas sector.
Conclusion:
Adani’s enhanced presence in the oil and gas sector will help our country in meeting its ever-growing energy demands. There will be a consistent supply of oil and natural gas in the country for various industrial and residential purposes. This will further lead our country towards enhanced growth and prosperity.
