SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Nov 20: IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen technical innovation, research, and industry–academia collaboration in the energy sector.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Keka Ojha, Dean (Continuing Education Program), IIT (ISM), and Kuldip Mukherji, Chief, Production JV Asset & Business Development Group (PJVA & BD), ONGC.
Arunangshu Sarkar, Director (Strategy & Corporate Affairs), ONGC, and Prof. Vikas Mahto, Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering, IIT (ISM), were also present at the ceremony.
MoU Aims to Drive New-Generation Energy Research
Addressing the event, ONGC Director Arunangshu Sarkar said the partnership would act as a catalyst for next-generation research and technology development in the exploration and production (E&P) domain. He appreciated IIT (ISM)’s continued support to ONGC and highlighted the institute’s significant role in building India’s energy capabilities.
According to ONGC officials, the agreement will deepen industry–academia collaboration and accelerate indigenous R&D essential for India’s future energy requirements.
Collaboration to Cover Wide Range of Energy Areas
Officials said the MoU will open opportunities for joint research, consultancy projects, technology development, and academic engagement across the upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas sectors.
IIT (ISM) noted that the partnership reinforces the institute’s commitment to supporting the hydrocarbon sector through advanced scientific research, emerging technologies, and skilled human resources.
Key Focus Areas of the MoU
The collaboration will include work in:
Geosciences
Engineering design
Chemical and process technologies
Remote sensing and GIS applications
Alternative and renewable energy
Critical minerals
Coal gasification
Coal Bed Methane (CBM)
Other emerging areas of national importance
An IIT (ISM) official added that this MoU strengthens the institute’s mission to promote scientific innovation and high-impact collaborations with industry leaders. The institute looks forward to collaborating with ONGC to develop scalable, sustainable, and high-impact solutions that address India’s energy needs.
