India's Hydrocarbon Outlook – 2022-2023

112 DGH: 3 DECADES OF UNLOCKING INDIA'S HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL Following objectives were set forth for the project: i. To have a fair understanding of the tectonic setup and petroleum system of these unappraised onland basins through the acquired 2D seismic data. ii. To redefine the basin boundaries in these basins iii. To increase the area under exploration after understanding the Sub-surface geology of these basins. iv. To identify the focused areas for taking up further exploration activities out of these so called unappraised basin areas. v. To enrich NDR with state of the art 2D data which would help E&P bidders to identify the blocks of interest for bidding in these areas under OALP rounds. vi. Ultimately to add the new hydrocarbon acreages in the country to enhance the oil & gas production and to reduce the Oil & Natural Gas import dependency. Pathway for future Exploration in India Seismic data of NSP campaign have been acquired across India covering all sedimentary basins with varied geographic terrains viz. hilly areas to alluvial plains, desert to riverine areas, thick forested and vegetated lands to barren areas, trap covered areas etc. using different technologies (vibrators and explosives as the energy source, cable and cable less telemetry, nodes, 10 Hz and low frequency sensors using very long offsets ranging from 6 to 9 kms symmetric split spreads). Following were realised out of NSP data: It helped in re-assessment of hydrocarbon reserve/resources in the country. It paved a way forward by identifying the need for further data generation by way of acquiringmore close grid 2D data or focused 3D data or drilling few parametric wells to bring out the prospectivity perception with an objective to enhance the confidence of interested bidders in these blocks for taking the investment decisions for E&P activities. The G&G data generated under NSP is using the longest possible spread (12 to 18 Km) and state-of-the-art technology (broad band 2-D seismic data ). NSP data has provided vital sub-surface geological information in many unappraised areas which would facilitate immensely in developing good understanding of the geological set-up of these basins. The data has provided significant leads towards the extension of existing producing basins as the information about the tectonics framework has been improved. This data has increased the sedimentary area for exploration by enhancing the perception of prospectivity especially in Category II and III basins. E&P operators/investors have shown interest in NSP data to evaluate blocks or acreages of interest for submission of Expression of Interest (EoI) under various OALP rounds. Resource Assessment Studies (2021) is planned to be carried out incorporating available seismic data acquired under NSP to improve prospectivity perception of Category-II&III basins of India. Way forward: In most of the areas the interpreters have carried out seismic to well ties, determine depth-velocity relations, identified the primary stratigraphic horizons in seismic sections, prepared time/ structure maps of different horizons and time- thickness/isopach maps, geological models and identified prospects/interesting features/areas as per the scope of work. It has been observed that barring a few areas under the Proterozoic basins e.g., Bhima, Kaladgi, Deccan Syneclise (North and South) having insignificant sedimentary cover are thought to be of low hydrocarbon potential with