Oil & Natural Gas Corporation marked the completion of two deep geothermal wells at Puga, advancing India's first demonstration-scale geothermal power project. The successful drilling of wells GT#02 and GT#03 by ONGC Energy Centre was commemorated by the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, on July 17, 2026. This milestone opens new avenues for clean, dependable, and round-the-clock energy in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The project is expected to strengthen energy access in remote areas and reduce dependence on conventional fuels. It is designed to support reliable power availability during the region's severe winters. Beyond electricity generation, the geothermal energy potential at Puga extends to space heating, greenhouse cultivation, year-round agriculture, food processing, geotourism, and sustainable livelihoods.

Strategic Collaboration and Objectives

The initiative is being advanced jointly by ONGC Energy Centre, the UT Administration of Ladakh, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Leh. The collaboration operates under a five-year partnership that was renewed in June 2026. The project aligns with India's clean-energy portfolio, technological self-reliance, and long-term energy-security and Net Zero objectives.

Regional and National Impact

The development is anticipated to contribute significantly to Ladakh's socio-economic development and its aspiration to emerge as a carbon-neutral region. At the national level, it strengthens the country's clean energy capabilities. The occasion was attended by key officials, including Administrative Secretary Shri Himanshu Gupta, IAS, and Secretary to the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor Ms Shashanka Ala, IAS.

Representing ONGC, Director (Technology and Field Services) Shri Vikram Saxena stated that the achievement reaffirmed the organization's commitment to innovation, energy security, and a sustainable future for Ladakh and India.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited’s Board has approved the development of 1.75 MMT capacity Strategic Petroleum Reserves at Mangalore (Phase-I Extension). The decision, taken at a meeting held on July 09, 2026, designates the project as one of national importance and includes associated facilities. This move aligns with the directives issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG).

The Board also directed the management to pursue broadening commercial utilisation opportunities for the reserves. This involves seeking associated regulatory support from the Government of India to enhance the project's viability and scope.

The meeting of the Board of Directors commenced at 18:35 hrs and concluded at 20:35 hrs on the same day. The approval marks a significant step in bolstering the country's energy security infrastructure through strategic storage capabilities.

Project Details

The development of the Strategic Petroleum Reserves is aimed at ensuring energy security and mitigating supply disruptions. The Mangalore facility will serve as a critical node in the national storage network.

Board Proceedings

The approval was part of the agenda discussed during the Board meeting convened on July 09, 2026. The proceedings were formally recorded and communicated to the stock exchanges by Shashi Bhushan Singh, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer.