🔆 Geothermal Energy: A New Chapter in India’s Clean Energy Journey
📍 Why in News?
🟢 India’s first two geothermal wells were commissioned at Puga Valley, Ladakh, in July 2026. The 1,000-metre-deep wells will support reservoir evaluation and pave the way for a 1 MW demonstration geothermal power project.
📍 What is Geothermal Energy?
🟢 It is energy derived from the Earth’s internal heat, generated by radioactive decay and residual heat from the planet’s formation.
🟢 It can be used for electricity generation as well as direct heating and cooling applications.
🟢 Unlike solar and wind, geothermal energy is weather-independent and available round the clock.
📍 India’s Geothermal Potential
🟢 381 hot springs mapped by the Geological Survey of India.
🟢 10 geothermal provinces identified across the country.
🟢 Theoretical geothermal potential of nearly 10.6 GW (10,600 MW).
🟢 42 sites identified as promising for power generation and direct heat use.
📍 National Policy on Geothermal Energy, 2025
🟢 Notified in September 2025, with MNRE as the nodal ministry.
🟢 Focuses on exploration, drilling, reservoir management and direct-use applications.
🟢 Supports Ground Source Heat Pumps, geothermal data repositories, pilot projects and Centres of Excellence.
🟢 Also enables the possible repurposing of abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal use.
📍 Why is it important for India?
🟢 Provides clean, indigenous and round-the-clock energy.
🟢 Can diversify India’s renewable energy mix and reduce fossil-fuel dependence.
🟢 Has applications beyond power generation—in heating, cooling, agriculture, aquaculture and geo-tourism.
🟢 Can contribute to India’s Net Zero by 2070 pathway.
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1September 4, 2026 2K 23
