GAIL Inks Pact with Gasunie, Netherlands

GAIL (India) Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gasunie Engineering BV, Netherlands which will envisage mutual cooperation for knowledge and expertise sharing in the fields of engineering trading, training, research and development, pilot projects and providing energy solutions to industrial customers. The MoU was signed by Mr. B S Negi, Director (Planning), GAIL, and Mr. Jaap Althuis, Commercial Director, Gasunie, in New Delhi. Mr. Proshanto Banerjee, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL and Mr. Henk Riezebos, Senior Specialist, Gasunie and Senior Officials from GAIL were present during the signing ceremony.

Commenting on the MoU, Mr. Banerjee said, "The MoU will yield considerable benefits for both the companies. The knowledge and expertise sharing in the areas of R&D, training, projects and energy solutions is very vital to synergies the strengths and to pass on the benefits to the respective customers. This will also help to consolidate our position in the global market". Mr Jaap Althuis, Commercial Director, Gasunie added that with the cooperation between the two companies, business opportunities will enhance in the country and abroad.

Gasunie has a long relationship with GAIL right from its first HVJ project when they supported GAIL as a back-up consultant for designing, engineering and project management. Under the MOU, Gasunie will now share their expertise in various fields like gas transmission, market development, regulatory issues, capacity planning, storage solutions, measurements, energy optimization and enhancement of energy efficiency. They will also share their expertise in the fields of gas contracting, pricing, tariff strategy and commercial operations.

In the deregulated scenario, gas industry in India is undergoing rapid changes confronting various issues related to gas transmission, distribution, marketing, and pricing. Knowledge sharing by GAIL and Gasunie will enhance GAIL's gas business opportunities in India and would add up opportunities abroad.