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Geothermal Power Potential in India

Syllabus: Economy: Energy/ Geography

 Source: IE

 

Context: India has identified approximately 10,600 MW of geothermal power potential, according to the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

  1. The GSI has conducted extensive exploration across 381 thermally active areas, gathering data on temperature, discharge, and water quality.
  2. A 20 kW pilot geothermal power plant using Binary Organic Rankine Cycle technology has been successfully commissioned in Telangana by Singareni Collieries Company Limited.

 

What is Geothermal energy?

It is heat that comes from the Earth’s interior. It is harnessed by tapping into steam or hot water reservoirs found beneath the Earth’s surface. This energy can be used directly for heating or to generate electricity using geothermal power plants.

Geothermal Power Potential
Geothermal Power Potential

 

Types of Geothermal Power Plants ( Sometimes such Qns can be asked in Prelims)

There are three types of geothermal power plants where we can harness the heat of the earth to produce electricity.

  1. Dry steam powerplant
  2. Flash steam power plant
  3. Binary cycle power plant

 

All these plants follow the same principle of using the heat of the earth to produce electricity. As flash steam power plant requires a high enthalpy range and hence they cannot be used in India.

Status of Geothermal Energy/Geothermal Powerplants in India:

Geothermal resources in India have been mapped by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and a broad estimate by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) suggests that there could be 10 GW of geothermal power

 

Potential of Geothermal Energy in India:

Aspect Description Example
Abundant Resource India has substantial geothermal energy resources with an estimated potential of 10,600 MW.
Baseload Power Provides a reliable, consistent power supply, contributing to grid stability and reducing fossil fuel dependence.
Hot Springs and Geysers Harness geothermal hot springs and geysers for power generation. Puga Geothermal Field, Ladakh
Direct Use Applications Used directly for space heating, greenhouse cultivation, and industrial processes. Chumathang for house heating and hot water
District Heating Can be used for efficient and sustainable heating in cities. Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh
Tourism Potential Unique geothermal sites can attract tourists and benefit local economies. Tattapani, Himachal Pradesh
Off-Grid Applications Beneficial for remote or off-grid areas, providing electricity and reducing reliance on diesel generators. Remote areas like Ladakh

 

Various challenges in the widespread adoption of geothermal energy in India:

  1. High Upfront Costs: Significant initial investment for drilling wells and installing infrastructure.
  2. Limited Geothermal Resources: Most resources are low-temperature, suitable mainly for direct heat applications.
  3. Lack of Technical Expertise: Insufficient professionals with experience in geothermal exploration and development.
  4. Regulatory and Policy Framework: The absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework specific to geothermal energy.
  5. Uncertain Resource Assessment: Limited exploration and data make accurate resource assessment challenging.
  6. Infrastructure Limitations: Remote areas may lack the necessary infrastructure, increasing costs and complexity.
  7. Environmental Considerations: Potential negative impacts, such as groundwater contamination or seismic activity.

 

Steps Taken in India:

  1. Renewable Energy Research & Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD)
    • 100% financial support by MNRE to government/non-profit research organizations.
    • Up to 70% financial support to industry, startups, private institutes, entrepreneurs, and manufacturing units.
  1. Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform
    • Collaboration under the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership.
  1. Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR)
  2. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has established India’s first Geothermal field development project at Puga village in Ladakh.
  3. Tata Power is India’s largest integrated power company. Tata Power will be setting up a geothermal plant in Gujarat of about 5MW plant.
  4. National Thermal Power Corporationis planning to construct a 300MW of geothermal power plant project in Chhattisgarh.

 

Insta Links:

 

Mains Link:

Examine the various obstacles to an energy-secure India. How can the government ensure energy security while honouring its net zero commitments? (15M)