Geothermal Energy in India

Why in News?

The Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo (Bharat RE) 2026 is being held from 2–5 November 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under the theme ‘Invest. Innovate. Inspire.’ Geothermal energy is gaining attention as a steady, low-carbon and weather-independent source of renewable energy.

What is Geothermal Energy?

• Geothermal energy is the heat generated and stored inside the Earth.
• It is produced mainly by the radioactive decay of elements such as uranium, thorium and potassium, along with residual heat from Earth’s formation.
• Earth’s internal heat drives mantle convection currents, contributing to tectonic activities such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and mountain building.
• In geologically active regions, faults and fractures allow heat to reach underground water reservoirs, producing hot water and steam.

How is Geothermal Energy Generated?

• Deep wells are drilled to extract hot water and steam from underground reservoirs.
• The steam drives a turbine connected to an electricity generator.
• After electricity generation, the steam is condensed into water.
• The water is reinjected into the underground reservoir to support continued energy production.

Applications

• Produces power using underground heat.
• Supplies heat to buildings and communities.
• Provides controlled heating for farming and fish cultivation.
• Supports temperature regulation in buildings.
• Abandoned oil and gas wells can potentially be reused to extract geothermal energy.

Global Geothermal Energy Scenario

• Global installed geothermal power capacity reached 15.67 GW by the end of 2025.
• Indonesia, the United States, the Philippines, Türkiye and New Zealand together account for around 67% of global installed capacity.

Geothermal Energy Potential in India

• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has mapped 381 hot springs and identified 10 geothermal provinces.
• India’s theoretical geothermal potential is estimated at nearly 10.6 GW.
• Around 42 sites have been recognised as promising for electricity generation and direct heat applications.
• Ten Geothermal Provinces of India: Himalayan Geothermal Province, Naga-Lusai, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Son-Narmada-Tapi (SONATA), West Coast, Cambay Graben, Aravalli, Mahanadi, Godavari and South Indian Cratonic Region.

Puga Valley Geothermal Project, Ladakh

• The ONGC Energy Centre commissioned India’s first two geothermal wells in Puga Valley, Ladakh.
• Located at an altitude of over 14,000 feet, Puga Valley is among India’s promising geothermal sites.
• It is known for its hot springs and underground heat reserves.
• The wells are expected to support India’s first 1-megawatt demonstration geothermal power project.

Source: PIB

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