ONGC plans to map Geothermal Energy sources in India

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is preparing to map India's geothermal energy sources, which have a potential capacity of 10 GW. In addition, the company is arranging the airlifting of drilling equipment to the Ladakh valley to resume the pilot project at the Puga site.

The exact capacity, production, and flow information will be determined through drilling and will be used to effectively harness this clean and sustainable energy source. Initial studies have indicated the presence of abundant geothermal sources in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat (Cambay Basin and Ankleshwar), Andhra Pradesh (Kowthalam), and Chhattisgarh. The focus will primarily be on Ladakh, followed by Gujarat, and later on the southern regions.

Last month, ONGC signed an agreement with Iceland GeoSurvey (ISOR) to collaborate on the exploration and development of geothermal energy in India, building upon their alignment on the Ladakh project established last year.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) have conducted the initial survey.

Geothermal energy is a clean and sustainable source that is available continuously, 24x7.

Once the pilot project is successfully proven, the intention is to scale it up for commercial use.

The drilling work is scheduled to commence this year, and ONGC expects to operationalise a one MW pilot project by next year. Additionally, the second phase of drilling will begin at Chumathang, and if the two reservoirs can be interconnected, it will enable the installation of a 100 MW power plant.