It would help promote gas-based economy, reduce environmental pollution, offer cost effective fuel ensuring overall economic development.
- It would also aid in realizing the vision of “One Nation One Gas Grid” along with increasing the share of natural gas in India’s primary energy basket to 15% by 2030.
CGD Network
- About: It an interconnected system of underground natural gas pipelines for supplying Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) through PNG connections, CNG stations and pipeline infrastructure.
- CNG is used as auto-fuel, while PNG is used in domestic, commercial and Industrial segments.
- Natural gas, a fossil fuel energy source, is an odourless, gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons—predominantly methane (CH4).
- Role of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB): Grants the authorization to the entities for developing CGD network in a specified Geographical Area (GA).
- PNGRB was constituted under the PNGRB Act, 2006, to protect the interests of those engaged in activities relating to petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas.
- Key Achievements:
- CGD Network: PNGRB has authorized CGD network development in 307 GAs, covering entire country. (Post 12/12A CGD bidding round).
- It has expanded to 550 districts from 66 (2014).
- CGD Network: PNGRB has authorized CGD network development in 307 GAs, covering entire country. (Post 12/12A CGD bidding round).
Measures taken to propel CGD Network
- Urja Ganga Project: Extension of gas pipelines to connect the eastern states.
- Others: Allocating domestic natural gas to CGD sector, Grant of Public Utility Status to CGD Projects, Guidelines for use of PNG in Defense and Public Sector Undertakings’ residential areas, etc.
