PNGRB Urges Shift to Electric Motor-Driven Compressors Across 25,429-Km Gas Pipeline Network

In a significant step toward environmental sustainability, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has urged gas pipeline operators across India to transition from gas engine-driven compressors to electric motor-driven compressors. This shift is expected to reduce carbon dioxide and other pollutant emissions in the natural gas sector, which spans 25,429 kilometers across the country. The advisory was issued to coincide with World Environment Day, emphasizing the nation's commitment to fighting climate change.

Aligning with India’s Climate Goals

The PNGRB has emphasized that the electricity required for electric motor-driven compressors should be sourced from renewable energy, further underscoring the country’s commitment to sustainable energy practices. The current regulatory framework permits the use of gas-based compressors, and gas consumed by them is classified as System Use Gas. However, the new advisory seeks to encourage operators to incorporate electric compressors in both new and existing infrastructure.

In its communication, the board emphasized that adopting electric motor-driven compressors is a crucial part of India’s efforts to meet its environmental targets. This change aligns with the government’s push for greater integration of renewable energy in industrial operations, supporting the transition to cleaner technologies in the energy sector.

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Sustainability and Operational Efficiency

The shift to electric compressors is not just a step towards reducing emissions but also a part of the PNGRB’s broader strategy to ensure the efficient and sustainable operation of the nation’s natural gas infrastructure. The advisory calls on pipeline operators to assess the feasibility of making the transition and to update their systems to incorporate renewable energy-based solutions, further supporting India’s environmental commitments on the global stage.