Geothermal Energy in India

Geothermal energy is the heat energy stored within the Earth. The term “Geo + Thermal” literally means “Earth + Heat.” This energy flows from the Earth’s core to its surface, primarily generated by the decay of radioactive elements (Uranium, Thorium, Potassium) and residual heat from the Earth’s formation. It can be used for electricity generation, heating, agriculture, and industrial applications.

Working Mechanism

Geothermal energy technology harnesses underground heat, available as hot water or steam, to drive turbines and generate electricity.

Main Technologies:

1. Dry Steam Plant – Directly uses steam to drive turbines.
2. Flash Steam Plant – Hot water is depressurized to produce steam.
3. Binary Cycle Plant – Uses secondary fluid to generate electricity from low-temperature sources.

Status of Geothermal Energy in India

• The Geological Survey of India (GSI), in its report Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022, estimated India’s potential geothermal energy capacity at 10,600 MW.
• Over 300 hot springs have been identified across the country.
• Major Potential Sites:
  • Puga & Chumathang (Eastern Ladakh) – Highest potential.
  • Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh)
  • Tattapani (Chhattisgarh)
  • Godavari Valley (Telangana–Andhra Pradesh)
  • Son-Narmada Belt, Kambal Valley, Hot Springs in Jharkhand & Odisha

Recent Developments

• Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has set up a 20 kW pilot geothermal power plant in Manuguru, Telangana.
• GSI identifies Puga, Eastern Ladakh, as India’s most suitable site with high thermal gradient.
• The central government is promoting research and commercial utilization of geothermal energy through financial support schemes.

Government Initiatives

1. Renewable Energy Research & Technology Development Program (RERTD)
   • Operated by MNRE.
   • Provides 100% financial support to government/non-profit institutions and 70% to industries and startups.
2. International Cooperation
   • MoU between Iceland and India for geothermal technology collaboration.
   • USA–India Renewable Energy Technology Action Partnership (RETAP) lists geothermal energy as a priority area.
3. GSI Initiatives
   • Nationwide geothermal mapping.
   • Publication of “Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022”.

Advantages of Geothermal Energy

• Clean and Renewable – Very low carbon emissions.
• Continuous Power Supply (24×7) – Not dependent on weather like solar or wind.
• Less Land Requirement – Compared to hydro or solar projects.
• Suitable for Rural/Remote Areas – Where other sources are limited.
• Multiple Uses – Electricity generation, heating, greenhouse agriculture, industrial applications.

Challenges / Limitations

• High Capital Costs – Drilling, boring, and exploration are expensive.
• Remote Locations – Most sites are in Himalayan or difficult terrains.
• Limited Technical Expertise – Advanced drilling technology is scarce in India.
• Environmental Risks – Land subsidence, leakage of toxic chemicals (mercury, arsenic, boron).
• Energy Transmission Issues – Grid connection from remote areas is costly.

Way Forward

1. Conduct advanced mapping and thermal assessment of geothermal sites.
2. Promote indigenous technology development through R&D.
3. Attract investment via Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
4. Implement micro-grid systems in remote regions for local energy distribution.
5. Provide policy incentives – tax breaks, capital subsidies, and concessional loans.

Conclusion

India has immense geothermal potential, offering a clean, sustainable, and reliable energy source. With coordinated efforts by government, industry, and research institutions, focusing on technical feasibility, environmental safety, and infrastructure, geothermal energy can significantly contribute to India’s energy diversification and net-zero emission targets.