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Energy and Environment

Energy & Environment Management

At GAIL, we recognize the deep connection between energy and the environment, shaping the future of sustainability. As a leader in the natural gas sector, we are committed to responsible energy solutions that drive economic growth while minimizing environmental impact. Our focus on energy efficiency, emission reduction, and resource conservation ensures a balance between industrial progress and ecological responsibility. Through Mission LiFE, an initiative by the Government of India, we actively promote sustainable practices among employees and communities, reinforcing our commitment to a greener future.

Governance and Policy in Energy and Environment

  • Commitment to Sustainability: Guided by a robust Sustainability Policy, GAIL integrates energy conservation with environmental stewardship to ensure long-term growth.
  • Leadership and Accountability: Our governance framework assigns Officer-In-Charge (OICs) and HoDs the responsibility of achieving sustainability goals, managing risks, and ensuring compliance.
  • Sustainable Development Policy: We embed ESG considerations into our operations, balancing industrial progress with ecosystem preservation.
  • Operational Excellence: Site-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulatory compliance ensure efficiency and best environmental practices.

Key Initiatives & Environmental Stewardship

World Environment Day: GAIL marks June 5 each year by raising awareness and taking action to protect the planet.

Mission LiFE Initiatives: Promoting sustainable lifestyle choices, including:

  • Save Energy
  • Save water
  • Say no to single-use plastic
  • Reduce waste
  • Adopt healthy Lifestyle
  • Reduce E-Waste

Through these efforts, GAIL continues to drive sustainability, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence.

Biodiversity Management

GAIL recognizes that effective biodiversity protection requires a multi-faceted approach involving diverse methodologies and stakeholders. We are committed to conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems by adhering to stringent environmental regulations and best practices.

  • Mitigation Hierarchy:We follow the principles of avoid, minimize, restore, and offset to reduce ecological impact.
  • Protected Areas Compliance:GAIL avoids operations near IUCN I-IV protected areas, World Heritage sites, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, wetlands, biodiversity hotspots, forests, and shoreline management zones.
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA):Comprehensive EIAs are conducted before initiating any project or construction activity to assess and mitigate potential environmental impacts.
  • Greenbelt Development:GAIL’s Environment Management Plan (EMP) ensures the preservation and expansion of green spaces at all operational sites.
  • Biodiversity Surveys:Regular ecological assessments and surveys are carried out to sustain biodiversity and minimize disruption to natural habitats.
  • Protected Habitat Buffer Zone:We maintain a 10 km buffer from protected habitats and limit pipeline usage in green cover areas to less than one-third of the Right of Use (RoU) designated for forested zones.
  • Compensatory Afforestation:GAIL actively contributes to the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) to offset the ecological footprint of pipeline projects traversing forest areas.

Biodiversity Initiatives at Operational Sites

  • Pata:GAIL Gaon township hosts a rich biodiversity, including a Butterfly Park, a Mini Golf Course, and 160 acres of green cover, enhancing bird and butterfly diversity through theme-based plantations. The greenbelt at GAIL Pata spans ~500 acres (approximately 33% of the total area).
  • Vijaipur:GAIL Vijaipur features ~321 acres of greenbelt (over 30% of the total area). In FY, 6,331 trees were planted in both operational and residential areas to strengthen ecosystem resilience.

Commitment to ESG Excellence

  • Environmental Responsibility: Site-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) minimize ecological impact while optimizing resource efficiency.
  • Biodiversity & Ecosystem Conservation: We actively implement initiatives to restore natural habitats, enhance biodiversity, and promote ecosystem resilience.

Energy Management

At GAIL, energy efficiency and conservation are fundamental pillars of our commitment to sustainability. As India's leading natural gas company, we actively implement initiatives to optimize energy consumption, reduce emissions, and integrate renewable energy sources into our operations. we emphasize on robust energy management which is crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change, optimizing energy costs, and enhancing operational efficiency. Our approach involves implementing energy-efficient practices and adopting advanced technologies in line with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) recommendations. All major GAIL installations are ISO 50001 certified and strictly adhere to its Energy Management System framework.

Central Government Approved Energy-Saving Initiatives

GAIL’s Pata plant is a designated consumer under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Cycle IV, achieving a 6.17% reduction in Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) from the baseline year FY 2016-17.

Site-Wise Energy Saving Initiatives

GAIL has implemented several energy-saving initiatives across its facilities, focusing on improving energy efficiency, reducing electricity consumption, and lowering carbon emissions. At various sites, low-efficiency motors, old air conditioners, and high-wattage lamps have been replaced with high-efficiency motors, 5-star rated ACs, and LED lighting, significantly reducing power consumption. Additionally, GAIL has transitioned key operations from Gas Turbine Generator (GTG) power to grid power, leading to substantial energy and fuel gas savings. Notably, the replacement of inefficient equipment across facilities has resulted in an annual energy savings of over 3.6 million kWh and a reduction of more than 7,000 tCO₂e emissions. These measures not only contribute to operational cost savings but also align with GAIL’s commitment to sustainability and its Net Zero 2035 target.

Investment & Expenditure: GAIL has invested INR 14.2 Lakhs in energy-efficient AC replacements and INR 11.18 Lakhs in electric tow trucks for material handling.

Renewable Energy Integration

  • Renewable Energy Portfolio:GAIL has an installed capacity of 135 MW of renewable energy, comprising 118 MW wind power and 17 MW solar power.
  • Green Hydrogen Initiative:Commissioned a 10 MW Green Hydrogen Electrolyzer Unit at Vijaipur, producing 4.3 TPD of green hydrogen.
  • Solar Energy Expansion:A 15 MW floating solar power project is planned at the Pata Plant.
  • Energy Savings & Impact:Total Energy Saved in FY 2023-24 is 457,864 GJ

Emission Management

At GAIL, we are committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contributing to India's Net Zero goals. Our emission management strategy focuses on decarbonization, energy efficiency, methane reduction, and clean energy adoption.

GAIL’s Emission Reduction Targets

  • 100% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2035.
  • 35% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2040.
  • Deployment of Carbon Capture technologies to abate 2,500 TPD of CO2.
  • Scale up Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen projects to support India's clean energy transition

GHG Emissions Reduction Strategy

GAIL has adopted a science-based approach to achieve Net Zero emissions:

A. Operational Decarbonization

  • Energy efficiency projects, electrification of natural gas-based equipment, and fuel switching.
  • Projects such as the Waste Heat Recovery system at Gandhar, the Flare Gas Recovery unit, and the venting-to-fuel unit at Vijaipur aim to cut operational emissions by 4.6% by 2030.
  • Implementing Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs to minimize methane emissions.
  • Conducting carbon footprint assessments across operations.

B. Energy Transition

  • We continue to intensify our Renewable Energy capacity, Green Hydrogen production, Compressed Biogas (CBG), and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
  • 10 MW Green Hydrogen Electrolyzer Unit commissioned at Vijaipur, reducing CO2 emissions by 0.22 million tons.

C. Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS)

CO2 valorization and utilization in value-added products such as methanol and polycarbonate diol in collaboration with research institutions.

3. Offsetting

    1. Afforestation Initiatives: Planted 3,53,487 trees in the last two years, including Miyawaki forests, and committed to planting 1 lakh trees annually.
    2. Carbon Credits & Green Credits: GAIL is planning to participate in India’s emerging carbon markets and credit mechanisms to offset residual emissions.

GHG Emissions Data (FY 2023-24)

Emission Type FY 2023-24 (tCO2e) FY 2022-23 (tCO2e)
Scope 1 (Direct Emissions) 34,67,989 36,56,175
Scope 2 (Indirect Emissions from Energy Use) 3,86,108 3,19,380
Total Scope 1 + 2 38,54,097 39,75,555

Methane Emissions Reduction Initiatives

  • GAIL has eliminated methane venting at several locations through Leak Detection & Repair (LDAR) programs.
  • Use of dry, low-emission Gas Turbine Compressors (GTC) at Jhabua has saved 665,000 SCM of fuel gas, reducing 1,382 tCO2e in Scope 1 emissions.

Further Emission Reduction Initiatives

  • Electrification of Compressor Stations:Transitioned the Jhabua Compressor Station from Gas Turbine Generators (GTG) to Grid Power, saving 2,928,000 kWh annually and reducing emissions by 7,073 tCO2e.
  • Energy-Efficient Equipment Upgrades
    • Replaced 71 low-efficiency motors with high-efficiency IE-3 motors, reducing 638 tCO2e.
    • Installed 199 energy-efficient 5-star ACs, reducing 94 tCO2e.
  • Flare Gas Reduction:Optimization of Gas After Cooler (GAC) fans at Hazira Compressor Station led to a 224 tCO2e reduction.

Responsible Water Management

At GAIL, we are committed to responsible water stewardship through sustainable water management practices that align with national regulations, global ESG standards, and our Environmental Policy. Our strategic approach integrates water conservation, wastewater treatment, and innovative water-saving initiatives to ensure long-term sustainability across our operations. To minimize environmental impact, GAIL has implemented Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) at the majority of its facilities. Wastewater generated at our sites undergoes comprehensive treatment, including:

  • Physical, Chemical & Biological Treatment:Ensuring removal of contaminants such as Suspended Solids, BOD, COD, Phenols, Oil & Grease, Cyanides, and Heavy Metals.
  • Real-Time Effluent Monitoring:Using the Effluent Quality Monitoring System (EQMS) to track and report water discharge data to CPCB/SPCB in real time.
  • Reuse & Responsible Disposal:Treated water is repurposed for horticulture, while excess water is safely discharged after meeting regulatory standards.

GAIL prioritizes optimizing water resources through rigorous third-party audits that assess and regulate water demand. Our commitment to water conservation is demonstrated by proactive measures, including:

  • Reduced Freshwater Consumption: Implementing water-efficient technologies to optimize usage.
  • Rainwater Harvesting:GAIL actively implements rainwater harvesting across all its operational sites as part of its sustainable water management strategy. By utilizing efficient rainwater collection and storage systems, GAIL enhances groundwater recharge and reduces dependency on freshwater sources. In FY 2023-24, a total of 9,75,215 m³ of rainwater was harvested across various facilities, supporting operational needs and contributing to water conservation efforts. These initiatives align with GAIL’s commitment to responsible water management and climate resilience.
  • Water Recycling & Reuse: Installed Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) to treat and recycle process water.
  • Water Waste Reduction Strategy: GAIL is integrating water management and reduction targets into its Climate Transition Plan to improve resilience and sustainability.
  • Water Risk Assessment & Compliance: GAIL proactively assesses water-stress sites and evaluates future demand and operational risks. We ensure full compliance with regulatory standards by continuously monitoring water withdrawal, discharge, and reuse. Our water-related initiatives adhere to national and local regulations, as well as CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) and SPCB (State Pollution Control Board) norms.
  • Innovation & Community Engagement:As a responsible corporate entity, GAIL fosters innovation in water conservation through research, technology adoption, and employee engagement. We encourage water-saving ideas and initiatives across sites and actively raise awareness within communities and among stakeholders. Our goal is to develop and implement cutting-edge water conservation methods, ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our operations.

Responsible Waste Management

At GAIL, we are committed to sustainable waste management through a structured and well-defined system that minimizes both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Our approach is guided by the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R Strategy) and is aligned with GRI 306-3, GRI 306-1a, GRI 306-4, and GRI 306-5 standards. Through internal and third-party environmental audits (SPCB/CPCB audits), we ensure strict compliance with regulations, continually optimizing waste reduction at the source.

Compliance & Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): As part of our Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2022, GAIL Pata is registered as:

  • Brand Owner of Plastic Raw Materials with the CPCB
  • Importer of Plastic Packaging Material
  • Producer of Polymers with the UPPCB

To meet our annual EPR targets, we procure EPR certificates in accordance with CPCB/UPPCB regulations. Additionally, we ensure the responsible recycling of battery waste through authorized agencies and e-waste disposal as per prescribed procedures with certified recyclers.

GAIL is committed to sustainable waste management across its operational sites, ensuring compliance with the Hazardous & Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.

  • Pata Petrochemical Complex:Hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams are managed through a structured framework, including record maintenance (Form-3), annual hazardous waste returns (Form-4), and disposal tracking (Form-10). The site follows dedicated waste management procedures, with intermediate storage locations and authorized recyclers/TSDF facilities. GAIL also conducts E-waste awareness and collection drives and promotes recycling, with 3,200 tons of scrap waste recycled and 80 tons of organic waste processed for horticulture and greenbelt maintenance.
  • Other Locations:
    • Gandhar:Ensures E-waste and used battery recycling, along with segregation and safe disposal of biomedical waste.
    • Kandla:Follows strict used oil recycling protocols.
    • Abu Road:Manages metallic and plastic waste disposal through certified vendors.
    • Mansarampura:Properly disposes of used oil, basket filter, pigging waste, and biodegradable canteen waste.

Across all sites, GAIL reinforces its commitment to circular economy principles by tracking waste movement, optimizing recycling efforts, and ensuring compliance with state and central waste disposal regulations.

Innovative Waste Management Framework

  • GAIL has established a comprehensive Waste Management Procedure to standardize waste handling across all operational units. This includes:
  • Classification of all waste streams as per regulatory requirements.
  • Establishment of a designated intermediate waste storage area for each waste category.
  • Strict adherence to State & Central waste disposal regulations.
  • Conversion of waste quantities (batteries, tyres, etc.) from unit counts to metric tons (MT) for standardized monitoring.
  • Looking ahead, Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste will be separately accounted for in the next financial year to further refine GAIL’s sustainability strategy

Research and Development Initiatives

At GAIL, research and development (R&D) are integral to our business strategy, enabling sustainable growth and innovation in the energy sector. The focus is on clean energy, decarbonization, waste management, and technological advancements, aligning with our commitment to environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.

It collaborates with leading research institutes to advance technology in pipeline asset monitoring, integrity management, natural gas utilization, biogas, polymer and catalyst development, hydrogen production, fuel cells, CO₂ utilization, and waste management. We launched four new R&D projects, including:

    1. Pipeline Integrity Management to enhance operational safety.
    2. Catalyst Development for Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) production.
    3. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzers and Fuel Cells for clean energy applications.
    4. Innovation for Decarbonization & Climate Action

GAIL is leveraging R&D-driven innovation to accelerate the decarbonization of business operations that includes:

  • Low-cost catalyst materials for hydrogen production and storage.
  • Catalysts for e-fuels, facilitating cleaner fuel alternatives.
  • Development of PEM fuel cells for stationery and transport applications.
  • Low-emission cooking technologies, supporting cleaner energy adoption.

We have partnered with IIT Kanpur to develop a bubbling fluidized bed pyrolysis process for extracting value-added chemicals and fuels from petrochemical oil sludge, thereby mitigating environmental risks. Additionally, a collaboration with IIT Madras focuses on optimizing hydrate-based wastewater treatment, offering an energy-efficient alternative to RO purification. E-Methane Production: Transforming CO₂ into a Clean Energy Source: India’s extensive natural gas pipeline network presents an opportunity for power-to-methane (e-methane) production, contributing to sectoral energy integration. GAIL is developing high-efficiency Ni-supported catalysts in association with CSIR-IIP Dehradun, enabling CO₂ captured via Direct Air Capture (DAC) to be converted into pipeline-quality biomethane (CH₄, 90% vol. min.). This research supports India's climate protection targets by utilizing greenhouse gases efficiently.

Advancements in Hydrogen Economy: As part of India’s clean energy transition, GAIL is addressing cost & efficiency challenges in hydrogen production, storage, and utilization.

Key initiatives include:

  • Polymer-based PEM Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) technology, enhancing efficiency over Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE).
  • Development of low-cost, earth-abundant catalysts for hydrogen production, in collaboration with CeNS, Bengaluru.
  • Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells, with research focused on scalable Pt-based catalysts to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Hydrogen Storage Solutions, partnering with CSIR-NCL to develop Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) for safe and efficient hydrogen storage.

Advancing Renewable Energy & Clean Cooking Solutions: In alignment with India’s Clean Cooking Mission, GAIL is developing solar powered cooking systems in partnership with

  • CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, and CSIR-CEERI, Jaipur Centre. Prototypes include:
  • 01 kW solar PV cooking system with inductive heating.
  • Thermal energy storage-based cooking system for rural households.

We are also co-establishing the Centre of Excellence for Oil, Gas & Energy (CoE-OGE) at IIT Bombay, in collaboration with other central Oil & Gas PSUs, to drive research, capacity building, and industry-focused technological solutions.

Intellectual Property & Patent Achievements: GAIL remains at the forefront of innovation, actively filing patents and copyrights to protect technological advancements. Notable achievements include:

  • A copyright jointly filed with IIT Madras for software titled “AC Induced Corrosion Rate Estimator for Underground Buried Pipelines”.
  • A research project with IIT Kanpur to extract value-rich chemicals and fuels from petrochemical sludge.
  • 02 Indian patents filed in FY 2023-24, with 12 patents granted, bringing our total to 32 patents (29 Indian, 3 Foreign).

Strategic Investments in R&D & Innovation: GAIL consistently allocates ~2% of its Profit Before Tax (PBT) to R&D and innovation initiatives. In FY 2023-24, our total R&D expenditure was ₹250.20 Crores, including:

  • ₹20.36 Crores for collaborative research projects.
  • ₹229.84 Crores for technology innovation across GAIL facilities.

Fostering Start-Up Innovation: Through our flagship Start-Up Initiative ‘Pankh’, we are investing in high-potential start-ups in AI, logistics, electric mobility, renewable energy, IoT, fintech, and process improvement technologies which includes:

  • ₹100 Crore corpus to support disruptive innovations.
  • 35 start-ups supported, with a total investment commitment of ₹70.69 Crores and disbursement of ₹65.39 Crores.
  • 04 GAIL-backed start-ups raised additional funds at higher valuations in FY 2023-24.
  • Orxa Energies, a GAIL-funded startup, launched India’s first performance-heavy electric bike, ‘Mantis’, with patented ABS technology

Link: Sustainability Report 2023-24 https://www.gailonline.com/SBReports.html.