Dirang-Arunachal Pradesh’s first geothermal production well

The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled Arunachal Pradesh’s first geothermal production well in Dirang, located in the West Kameng district. This marks a significant milestone for India’s geothermal energy sector, potentially making Dirang the country’s first geothermal-powered town.

Key Highlights:

• Supported by: Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Ministry of Earth Sciences
• Technology: Geothermal energy harnesses heat from the Earth’s interior, a renewable and sustainable energy source
• Planned Uses:
  • Agricultural drying (fruits, nuts, meat)
  • Space heating
  • Controlled-environment storage
• Future Plans: CESHS intends to expand the project with deeper drilling phases

National Geothermal Developments:

• Geothermal Atlas of India (2022): Identifies 381 geothermal sites with a potential of 10,600 MW
• Other Projects:
  • Manuguru, Telangana: First geothermal power project (20 kW pilot by SCCL)
  • Puga Valley, Ladakh: ONGC developing a 1 MW plant (pilot started in 2021)
  • Dholera, Gujarat: Geothermal energy used for cooking and air conditioning at a temple by PDEU and Amani Group