India Explores Global Partnerships to Tap 10 GW Geothermal Energy Potential

India is making significant strides in the renewable energy sector, with a particular focus on harnessing its geothermal energy potential. The country is actively seeking international collaborations to boost its capabilities in this promising field.

International Partnerships

The Indian government is exploring partnerships with the United States, Norway, and Iceland to gain access to advanced technologies for commercial geothermal energy development. These countries are known for their expertise and success in geothermal energy production, making them valuable allies in India's renewable energy journey.

Potential Capacity and Policy Development

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India has an estimated geothermal capacity potential of 10 gigawatts (GW). To capitalize on this potential, the ministry is collaborating with various states to develop incentive policies that would encourage investment and development in the geothermal sector.

Uttarakhand is taking a leading role in this initiative, with plans to release its geothermal energy policy soon. This move could set a precedent for other states to follow, potentially accelerating the adoption of geothermal energy across the country.

Promising Locations and Innovative Approaches

The ministry has identified several promising locations for geothermal energy development:

• Remote areas such as Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• The Gulf of Cambay, where waste heat from abandoned oil wells could be tapped
• Barren Island volcano, which is being assessed for its geothermal potential

In an innovative approach, a pilot project for geothermal cooling systems is currently underway. Initial production costs are estimated at ₹10.00 per unit, which may require Viability Gap Funding to make the project economically feasible.

Research and Development Initiatives

IIT Madras is spearheading a crucial research initiative in the field. The institute is conducting a two-year feasibility study at a cost of ₹18.93 crores, focusing on three idle oil wells. The project aims to generate 450 kW of energy by retrofitting unproductive wells at the Raageswari Gas field in Barmer, Rajasthan.

To bring this project to fruition, IIT Madras is set to enter into a contract with Cairn Vedanta for project implementation. This collaboration between academia and industry could pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective geothermal energy production in India.

Global Context

India's push towards geothermal energy comes at a time when the global geothermal capacity is expanding. As of 2019, the worldwide geothermal capacity reached 15.40 GW, with the United States leading the way, accounting for over 23% of global installations.

Conclusion

India's exploration of geothermal energy represents a significant step towards diversifying its renewable energy portfolio. By leveraging international partnerships, encouraging state-level policies, and investing in research and development, the country is positioning itself to tap into its substantial geothermal potential. As these initiatives progress, India could emerge as a significant player in the global geothermal energy landscape, contributing to its sustainable energy goals and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.