India Identifies 10,600 MW Geothermal Potential, Pilot Plant Operational in Telangana
India has identified an estimated geothermal power potential of around 10,600 MW, according to the Geological Survey of India's (GSI) recent report, "Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022". This report highlights the findings from extensive exploration conducted across 381 thermally anomalous areas in the country, collecting vital data on temperature, discharge, and water quality in various geothermal fields. Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, disclosed this information in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
A significant milestone in India's geothermal energy journey is the commissioning of a 20 kW pilot geothermal power plant by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) in the Manuguru area of Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana. The plant employs a closed-loop Binary Organic Rankine Cycle Process technology, which has been successfully demonstrated, marking a step forward in harnessing geothermal energy.
Despite this progress, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has not allocated specific funds for geothermal energy research and development (R&D) over the past five years. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Coal has allocated Rs 2.42 Crore for establishing the pilot geothermal power plant in Telangana. The MNRE continues to support the development of indigenous technologies for renewable energy through its Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD).
India's geothermal energy efforts are bolstered by international collaborations. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 9, 2007, between India and Iceland, identified geothermal energy as a key area of cooperation. Another MoU with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, signed on October 29, 2019, also recognizes geothermal energy as a focus area. Additionally, under the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) launched on August 29, 2023, between India and the USA, geothermal energy has been earmarked as a significant area of collaboration.
The MNRE provides substantial financial support for geothermal energy R&D projects, offering up to 100% funding to government and non-profit research organizations, and up to 70% to industry, start-ups, private institutes, entrepreneurs, and manufacturing units under the RE-RTD Programme.
