Geothermal Energy Policy: India’s Renewable Revolution
India is on the verge of an energy revolution with the introduction of a new national policy focused on geothermal energy. This initiative is designed to attract global interest, particularly from research firms in countries like Iceland and Norway. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has highlighted the immense potential of geothermal energy in India, especially in regions such as Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh.
Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth’s natural heat, utilizing steam from hot water springs or reservoirs found deep underground. This renewable energy source can generate electricity and provide heating and cooling solutions, making it versatile for various applications, including greenhouses and aquaculture. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified 381 hot springs across the nation, with surface temperatures ranging from 35°C to 89°C. The new MNRE policy aims to support the exploration and development of these resources.
Recent reports indicate that companies from Iceland and Norway have expressed interest in conducting pilot projects in regions like the Gulf of Cambay, Arunachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The MNRE Secretary, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, emphasized that these foreign firms have already dispatched teams for preliminary studies, highlighting a growing enthusiasm for geothermal energy in India.
The government plans to explore technological collaborations with the United States and Indonesia, particularly focusing on enhanced geothermal systems that could facilitate larger power plants. India’s geothermal potential is estimated at 10.6 gigawatts (GW), with possibilities for expansion through further exploration. Key geothermal sites are located in the Himalayan region and the Cambay Graben in Gujarat, where numerous abandoned oil wells can be repurposed for geothermal energy generation.
Internationally, geothermal capacity remains underutilized, with less than 17 GW in operation globally. However, countries like Iceland and Norway have pioneered innovative technologies in this field. The U.S. International Trade Administration has flagged promising geothermal fields in eastern Ladakh, suggesting that India could become a significant player in the global geothermal market.
Geothermal energy can drastically reduce electricity costs in remote regions. For instance, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where power currently costs around Rs 30-32 per unit, geothermal energy could lower the price to below Rs 10-11. This technology could also provide essential heating in cold regions like Ladakh during winter months.
However, the sector faces challenges, including high upfront costs and exploration risks, with an estimated Rs 36 crore needed to develop one megawatt (MW) of capacity. The new policy aims to provide financial support for research and development and establish a streamlined framework for collaboration among stakeholders, including state governments.
As India embarks on this geothermal journey, the potential benefits in energy access and sustainability could transform the energy landscape of the country, making it an exciting prospect for the future.
