‘India is at the centre of future demand wave’

Energy giant TotalEnergies, based in France, is deepening ties with Indian players, aiming to supply more liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the country, says Sang Ratnam, country chair and managing director (India), told Shubhangi Mathur during the recently held India Energy Week in Goa. The world’s third-largest LNG manufacturer is also planning to double the capacity of the Dhamra LNG terminal, in Odisha, and focusing on the ongoing green-energy projects with Adani Green Energy, Ratnam says. Edited excerpts.

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What role do you see Total Energies playing in meeting India’s future LNG demand?

Pricing has historically been the most important factor in discussions on LNG but today security of supply has taken over. As a major portfolio player and the third-largest LNG player globally, Total Energies gives comfort to the Indian buyers that it can deliver energy in any circumstances. That is why a lot of people are approaching us. We have invested all over the planet and, unlike smaller players who can, maybe, offer cheaper cargo, you need big players with diversified global portfolios that are able to adjust to geopolitical situations and deliver gas.

India is at the centre of the future demand wave. We are putting in effort to market our LNG and speaking to buyers and the government to see what we can do to bring more LNG to India. In India, infrastructure today is ready in the form of eight terminals and gas pipelines of 25,000 kim, and every corner of the country is licensed for city gas. The government has put all the policies in place. What you need now is to fill the pipes.

What are the key growth areas and investment plans in India?