Karnataka will soon have its first and the country’s sixth liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal. This is part of the Centre’s larger plan to boost the alternative fuel market to achieve net-zero carbon by 2070.
An MoU has been signed between the state government and Singapore-based LNG Alliance company, in association with New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT)
The project, with an investment of Rs 2,250 crore, is likely to be launched in the next two years with “minimal” land acquisition and usage of NMPT premises where there’s a dedicated LNG terminal. The company is close to registering its India arm under the name Shakti LNG to manage operations in Karnataka.
LNG Alliance said the potential for LNG use in the state is about 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), with further expansion likely to create a demand for a whopping 8 MTPA.
The project, once completed, will supply LNG to a 300km radius around Mangaluru, with the company considering the option of ISO tankers supplying gas for industrial and transportation use in hinterlands of the state and also for shipping activity along the west coast as part of the Sagarmala initiative.