General Motors India (GMI) has inaugurated an LNG facility at its factory premises at Halol for supply of gas to its car manufacturing plant. This follows a tripartite agreement signed between GMI, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and INOX India Limited (INOX) for the supply, re-gasification and final delivery of LNG at the company’s plant in Halol, Gujarat. Under the agreement BPCL will supply the LNG and INOX will render the cargo handling services including loading and transportation of LNG from Dahej Terminal of Petronet LNG Limited (PLL) to GM India’s site. INOX will also carry out unloading of gas into storage tanks, regasification and final delivery of LNG to the plant.
Halol plant has been using LPG in its paint shop and other applications since its inception in 1996. But after the commissioning of this facility in July, the company has been using LNG for paint baking, air conditioning and process fluid heating. It is also being used for cooking in the plant’s canteen. Besides being cheaper than LPG, LNG is safer and cleaner as it generates lower carbon emissions. Besides being cost effective, LNG also provides energy security. The LNG facility has adopted advanced safety procedures. These include global tools like Hazop or Hazard operability processes for handling and usage. The LNG installation is equipped with advanced remote operation facility, an on-site control room and fire-fighting equipment. It complies with all applicable safety and security standards.