The Indian government is moving towards the use of geothermal energy as a renewable source of power, states a recent reply given by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in the Lok Sabha on 26 March. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has recognized 381 thermally anomalous regions in the country with a total estimated potential of 10,600 MW of geothermal power.
Geothermal Exploration and Findings
The GSI has been carrying out pan-geothermal energy surveys, gathering temperature, water outflow, and chemical analysis data across different fields. This has been tabulated in the ‘Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022’ that indicates the huge geothermal power potential of India.
Current Developments in India
In spite of the encouraging data, actual geothermal power projects are few. Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has commissioned a pilot geothermal power plant of 20 kW at Manuguru, which is in Bhadradri Kothagudem district of the state of Telangana. Andhra Pradesh, though with promise, does not yet have any geothermal power plants in the pipeline or under implementation.
Government Support and Investment
In order to address questions of financing geothermal power, the Ministry responded that as of now there are no financed geothermal projects. The government is, nevertheless, promoting research and development in the form of the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD). It will support local production and innovation so that renewable energy technology, including geothermal power, can grow.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Though geothermal energy is a renewable energy source in contrast to fossil fuels, its large-scale application in India is being thwarted by various issues.Among them are large capital expenditure, technological constraints, and extensive research needs over the long term on site suitability. Geothermal power development also needs more exploration, policy clarity, and incentives to make private investment feasible.
All this notwithstanding, government investment in the development of geothermal technology is a portent of industry growth. If complemented by proper funding and policy action, India can capitalize on its geothermal resources in an effort to diversify its renewable energy base.
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