Oil India, Canada’s PTRC ink pact to boost clean energy collaboration

India, June 12 — Oil India Limited (OIL) has entered into a strategic collaboration with Canada’s Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC) to jointly advance research and development in emerging clean energy technologies, marking a step forward in international cooperation on energy transition.

The agreement, signed on June 10 in Calgary, brings together PTRC, a Saskatchewan-based non-profit organisation focused on energy innovation, and Oil India, a Maharatna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

According to an official statement, the partnership will focus on developing and scaling technologies related to carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), geothermal energy systems, and advanced subsurface energy solutions. The initiative is designed to support both countries’ long-term sustainability and decarbonisation goals.

A key component of the collaboration includes research on geological sequestration and mineralisation techniques for long-term carbon dioxide storage. These methods aim to reduce emissions from industrial operations by safely storing captured carbon deep underground or converting it into stable mineral forms.

The agreement also places emphasis on improving enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies, which allow for more efficient extraction of hydrocarbons while reducing environmental impact. Officials indicated that such innovations could help bridge the gap between traditional energy production and cleaner operational practices.

Another important area of cooperation is geothermal energy development, which involves harnessing heat from beneath the Earth’s surface as a renewable energy source. Both organisations are expected to explore viable sites, technologies, and commercial applications for geothermal expansion.

In addition, the framework encourages knowledge exchange and joint research programmes involving industry experts, academic institutions, and startup ecosystems. This includes collaboration with India’s mc2+ platform, which supports innovation driven solutions in the petroleum and energy sector.

Energy experts noted that the partnership reflects a broader global trend of integrating conventional energy companies into the clean energy transition through technology driven approaches rather than abrupt structural shifts.

The collaboration is also expected to open new business opportunities in both India and Canada by strengthening industry linkages and promoting shared research networks focused on sustainable energy development.

Officials said that the initiative aligns with India’s strategy to enhance energy security while gradually reducing carbon intensity through innovation, efficiency improvements, and adoption of cleaner technologies.

The agreement underscores growing international interest in carbon management technologies as countries seek practical pathways to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Overall, the Oil India PTRC partnership represents a significant step toward expanding scientific cooperation in the energy sector, with a strong emphasis on scalable, research-backed solutions for a low-carbon future.