Paper: GS – III, Subject: Environment and Ecology, Topic: Renewable Energy, Issue: Geothermal Energy in India.
Context:
India commissioned its first two geothermal wells in Puga Valley, Ladakh, in July 2026, marking an important step towards geothermal power generation. The wells will support India’s proposed first 1 MW geothermal demonstration project.
Key Takeaways:
Geothermal Energy in India:
- India has an estimated theoretical geothermal potential of around 10.6 GW.
- Important geothermal regions include Ladakh and the Himalayas, Cambay basin, Son-Narmada-Tapi region and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Puga Valley in Ladakh is considered one of India’s most promising geothermal sites.
- The National Policy on Geothermal Energy, 2025 promotes exploration, research, demonstration projects, new technologies and private-sector participation.
Challenges:
- High exploration and drilling costs
- Difficulty in locating commercially viable reservoirs
- Geological and technological risks
- Limited domestic expertise and infrastructure
- Possible concerns such as induced seismicity and geothermal-fluid management
Conclusion:
The Puga Valley project marks India’s transition from identifying geothermal resources to actually testing their use for power generation. Though geothermal energy may remain a smaller component of India’s energy mix, its reliable, low-carbon and round-the-clock nature makes it a valuable complement to solar and wind.
Source: (PIB)
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