Oil production from deepwater basin

Context: The Prime Minister applauded first oil production commences from the complex and difficult deepwater Krishna Godavari basin situated off the coast of Bay of Bengal.

About Krishna-Godavari Basin

• The Krishna-Godavari Basin, situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining Bay of Bengal region, is an extensive deltaic plain formed by the Krishna and Godavari rivers on the east coast of India.
• The KG Basin encompasses both onshore and offshore regions, covering approximately 15,000 sq. km on land and 25,000 sq. km up to the 1000 m isobath offshore.
• Comprising a substantial continental margin, the basin exhibits sediments with a thickness of about 5 km, featuring deposition cycles from the Late Carboniferous to Pleistocene periods.
• Geomorphological units within the basin include upland plains, coastal plains, as well as recent flood and delta plains.
• Recognized for the D-6 block, the Krishna-Godavari Basin is renowned for hosting the largest natural gas reserves in India. The initial discovery of natural gas in the area dates back to 1983, attributed to ONGC.
• The basin serves as a habitat for the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, categorized as Vulnerable according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) status.

Benefits:

• The commencement of oil production from the deepwater Krishna Godavari basin in India offers several benefits for the country, including:
• Reduced Dependency on Imports: Increased domestic oil production reduces India's reliance on imported oil, enhancing energy security and mitigating the impact of global oil price fluctuations
• Economic Growth: The development of domestic oil Resources contributes to economic growth, creates employment opportunities, and stimulates investment in related industries, thereby boosting the overall economy
• Revenue Generation: Oil production leads to the generation of significant revenue through taxes, royalties, and other contributions, which can be utilized for public welfare and infrastructure development
• Technological Advancement: The exploration and production activities in the deepwater basin drive technological advancements and expertise in the oil and gas sector, fostering innovation and knowledge transfer
• Strategic Importance: The deepwater Krishna Godavari basin's oil production holds strategic significance for India's energy landscape, contributing to the country's long-term energy sustainability and self-sufficiency

Challenges:

The oil production process from the deepwater Krishna Godavari basin can face several challenges:

• Operational Complexity: Deepwater oil production, particularly in the Krishna Godavari basin, involves complex processes and requires advanced technology to handle the unique geological conditions and environmental constraints
• High Costs: The deepwater oil production process can be expensive, and the Krishna Godavari basin's oil production was reportedly delayed due to cost overruns
• Technological Challenges: New methods and techniques are required to make gas production from deep-water deposits economically feasible, as the Krishna-Godavari Basin's geological complexities pose challenges to efficient extraction
• Environmental Concerns: Deepwater oil production can lead to environmental issues, such as oil spills and other environmental impacts, which can damage marine ecosystems and harm local communities
• Regulatory Challenges: The oil and gas sector in India is subject to strict regulations, and the Krishna Godavari basin's production process may face scrutiny and challenges related to compliance with these regulations
• Infrastructure Development: The development of oil production infrastructure, such as platforms and pipelines, in the deepwater Krishna Godavari basin can be challenging due to the remote location and the need for specialized equipment and facilities
• Manpower Development: The oil production process in the deepwater Krishna Godavari basin requires a skilled workforce, and the industry may face challenges in attracting and retaining talent to operate and maintain the complex facilities