Is an Ocean of Energy Opportunities Opening Up in the Andaman Sea?
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Synopsis
Discoveries in the Andaman basin signal a new era in India's energy landscape. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announces significant natural gas findings, affirming the region's potential. This marks a pivotal moment for India's exploration ambitions and its journey towards energy self-reliance, underscoring a commitment to harnessing resources for future growth.
Key Takeaways
- The Andaman basin has confirmed natural gas reserves.
- Natural gas samples show 87% methane content.
- Discovery aligns with India’s energy self-reliance goals.
- Deepwater exploration is part of a national initiative.
- Exploration efforts will collaborate with global experts.
New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) In a remarkable advancement, natural gas has been discovered in the Andaman basin, affirming the long-established notion that the Andaman Sea holds abundant natural gas reserves, stated Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday.
The minister shared details about the natural gas discovery at the Sri Vijayapuram 2 well, located 9.20 nautical miles (17 km) from the east coast of the Andaman Islands, at a water depth of 295 metres and a target depth of 2,650 metres.
"An ocean of energy opportunities opens up in the Andaman Sea," the minister declared on the social media platform X.
"Initial production testing of the well within the range of 2212 – 2250 meters has confirmed the presence of natural gas, accompanied by intermittent flaring. Gas samples were transported by ship to Kakinada, where they were analyzed and found to contain 87 percent methane," he added.
The minister noted that the size of the gas pool and the commercial viability of this finding will be assessed in the upcoming months. However, establishing the presence of hydrocarbons in the Andaman basin is a significant milestone, validating their long-held belief that the basin is rich in natural gas, "consistent with discoveries throughout the region from Myanmar to Indonesia in this belt."
"As part of the deepwater mission announced by PM Narendra Modi on Independence Day, numerous deepwater exploration wells are set to be drilled in our offshore basins to uncover new discoveries and fully utilize our hydrocarbon reserves," Puri remarked.
This natural gas discovery will propel the nation forward in its exploration initiatives in collaboration with global deepwater exploration experts, marking a pivotal milestone in India's journey through Amrit Kaal, the minister emphasized.
In his Independence Day speech, PM Modi introduced the National Deep Water Exploration Mission, aimed at investigating oil and gas reserves within the sea. He referred to the initiative as "Samudra Manthan," stating that it will be executed in mission mode, underscoring India's commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency.
Point of View
The discovery of natural gas in the Andaman Sea is a significant step for India, reinforcing its potential as an emerging energy hub. The government's proactive approach in collaboration with global experts highlights its commitment to energy independence, aligning with broader ambitions for sustainable development.
NationPress
26/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was discovered in the Andaman basin?
Natural gas has been discovered in the Andaman basin, affirming the region's potential for abundant natural gas reserves.
What is the significance of this discovery?
This discovery marks a pivotal moment for India's energy ambitions, potentially leading to increased self-reliance in the energy sector.
How much methane was found in the gas samples?
The gas samples were found to contain 87 percent methane, indicating a significant quality of the natural gas.
What is the National Deep Water Exploration Mission?
It is an initiative announced by PM Modi aimed at exploring oil and gas reserves in India’s offshore regions to enhance energy self-sufficiency.
Where is the Sri Vijayapuram 2 well located?
The Sri Vijayapuram 2 well is situated 9.20 nautical miles from the east coast of the Andaman Islands.
