General Motors India inaugurated an LNG facility at its factory premises at Halol for the supply of gas to its car manufacturing plant. This follows a tripartite agreement signed between GMI, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and INOX India Limited 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.
Karl Slym, President and Managing Director, General Motors India said, "GM has made a commitment to sustainable transportation around the globe and our commitment to a green future extends to our plants that builds those vehicles as well. The inauguration of the facility represents a technological milestone of the joint efforts put in by BPCL, INOX and General Motors India and bears testimony to our commitment to a cleaner and greener environment. Given LPG’s high cost and availability issues, our aim was to find an alternative solution that provides better flexibility as well as cost savings and we are glad to have found established partners like BPCL and INOX to help us attain this technological milestone."
The 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. With the on-coming of the Beat LPG and Diesel versions it is clear that GM India is looking to entice the Indian crowd not only to go green but also to watch out for what the company has to offer in the coming months.
