Source: NIE
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: Top officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) held a joint review meeting, to expedite the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) networks.
About Piped Natural Gas (PNG):
What It Is?
- Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is a safe, convenient, and environment-friendly fuel used for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes.
- It primarily consists of methane and is delivered directly to the point of use through a network of pipelines, eliminating the need for cylinder storage and heavy-duty transport.
How It Works?
- Source and Transmission: Natural gas is transported from production fields or import terminals through high-pressure trunk pipelines.
- City Gas Distribution (CGD): CGD entities receive the gas at City Gate Stations, where the pressure is reduced for safe urban distribution.
- Local Network: Gas is moved through a primary network of steel pipes and then into a secondary network of Polyethylene (PE) pipes laid across neighborhoods.
- Last-Mile Connectivity: The gas is finally delivered to individual households, kitchens, or industrial units through small-diameter GI (Galvanised Iron) or copper pipes.
- Integrated Planning: To avoid delays, these networks are now being mapped on the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan portal for coordinated underground utility integration.
Key Characteristics:
- Continuous Supply: PNG is available 24/7, removing the hassle of booking, waiting for, or changing heavy LPG cylinders.
- Safety: Natural gas is lighter than air; in the event of a leak, it disperses rapidly into the atmosphere, significantly reducing the risk of fire or explosion compared to LPG.
- Space Saving: Since the fuel is piped, there is no need for space to store cylinders or bulky fuel tanks.
- Economical and Efficient: It is generally more affordable than traditional fuels and requires no manual handling, which minimizes transit losses and theft.
- Billing Accuracy: Consumption is measured through a meter, ensuring users only pay for the exact amount of gas used.
Significance:
- Expanding PNG networks reduces the country’s over-reliance on bottled LPG and diversifies the energy mix.
- As a cleaner-burning fossil fuel, PNG helps reduce urban air pollution and aligns with global climate mitigation goals.
