India's first Small Geothermal Power Project

Reference

Drilling for India's first geothermal power project has begun in the geothermal-rich Puga Valley, about 190 km from Leh.

About the project

• It is a joint project involving:
  • Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
  • Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Leh
  • Himalayan Renewable Energy and Construction Firm (HRECF)
• This zero-carbon renewable energy project is being implemented at an altitude of over 14,000 feet.
• The pilot project aims to provide warm space for residents during winters and promote tourism activities like aquaculture, agriculture and lagoon spas.
• As per preliminary estimates, this area of ​​Puga Valley has the potential to generate 200 MW of clean energy.

Challenges

• The high initial cost associated with exploration and drilling for geothermal energy in India is a significant financial barrier.
• Also, the lack of specialized skills required in geology, drilling and reservoir engineering.
• The need for careful planning and pilot projects to establish technical and economic feasibility given the moderate enthalpy nature of Indian geothermal resources.
• Concerns about the environmental impact of geothermal development, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.

Opportunities

• Challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth. Investing in research and development of optimized drilling technologies can significantly reduce costs and improve project outcomes.
• New financial models such as risk-sharing mechanisms and green bonds can attract investors and reduce high initial costs.
• Skill development programs and specialized courses in geothermal technologies can address talent shortages, creating new employment opportunities in the process.