Why in News?
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy released India’s first National Policy on Geothermal Energy (Sept 17), aiming to develop 10.6 GW potential through pilots in Gulf of Cambay, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with R&D support from US, Iceland, Norway and Indonesia.
Description:
- The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched India’s first-ever National Policy on Geothermal Energy (Sept 2025).
- Aim: diversify India’s clean energy mix & promote untapped geothermal resources.
Key Features:
- Coverage:
- High-enthalpy resources → power generation.
- Low/medium enthalpy → direct use (heating, cooling, industrial).
- FDI: 100% FDI allowed; focus on indigenous technology to cut imports.
- Fiscal support: tax holidays, import-duty exemption, concessional loans, Viability Gap Funding.
- Project tenure: support for 30 yrs (extendable if resource sustains).
- Collaboration: JVs with oil, gas & mineral firms for exploration/utilisation.
- R&D & pilots: Centres of Excellence, pilot plants, int’l tie-ups.
- Repurposing: abandoned oil/gas wells for geothermal; promotion of ground-source heat pumps.
India’s Geothermal Potential:
- 381 thermally anomalous sites (Geological Survey of India).
- Spread over 10 geothermal provinces – Ladakh, Himachal, Gujarat, Andaman & Nicobar etc.
- Estimated potential: 10,600 MW (enough for ~1 crore homes).
- Puga Valley (Ladakh) → India’s 1st geothermal pilot; world’s highest (~14,000 ft).
Significance:
- Low-carbon: ~99% less CO₂ than fossil fuels.
- Cost-effective: up to 80% cheaper over lifetime vs fossil plants.
- Weather-independent: unlike solar/wind, provides 24×7 base-load.
- Fuel-free operation: once commissioned, no continuous fuel input.
- Supports Net Zero by 2070 & reduces overdependence on solar/wind.
- Links with Paris goals, Net Zero 2070, National Energy Policy, LiFE.
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