India’s first-ever geothermal wells commissioned at Puga Valley, Ladakh

India has commissioned its first-ever geothermal wells at Puga Valley, Ladakh, marking a major milestone in the country’s renewable energy sector.

• The two geothermal wells, each drilled to a depth of 1,000 metres at an altitude of over 14,000 feet, were commissioned by Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena.
• The project has been executed by the ONGC Energy Centre.
• These wells will support the development of India’s first 1 MW demonstration-scale geothermal power project at Puga Valley.
• The project is expected to pave the way for the commercial development of geothermal energy in India.

About Geothermal Energy

• Geothermal energy is a renewable source of energy obtained from the natural heat stored inside the Earth.
• This heat is generated mainly by the slow radioactive decay of elements within the Earth’s interior and by residual heat from the planet’s formation.
• It can be used for:
  • Electricity generation.
  • Space heating.
  • Industrial processes.
  • Greenhouse heating.
  • Bathing and therapeutic hot springs.
• Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal energy provides continuous (24×7) baseload power, independent of weather conditions.

Geothermal Potential in India

• According to the Geothermal Atlas (2022) prepared by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), India’s theoretical geothermal power potential is approximately 10,600 MW.
• 381 hot springs have been identified across the country.
• 42 geothermal sites have been identified as promising for power generation and direct heat applications.

National Policy on Geothermal Energy, 2025

• The Government of India has notified the National Policy on Geothermal Energy, 2025.
• The policy aims to promote exploration and commercial development of geothermal resources, diversify India’s renewable energy mix, strengthen energy security and support the country’s goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Source: PIB, LG Ladakh,

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