India's First Geothermal Wells Commissioned in Puga Valley

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Why in News

India has commissioned its first and deepest geothermal wells at **Puga Valley** in Ladakh, marking a major step toward clean energy transition and Ladakh's carbon-neutral target.

Location and Depth: Both wells are drilled to a depth of **1,000 metres** at an elevation of over **14,000 feet in Puga Valley**, which is one of India's most promising geothermal sites.
Power Generation Target: The wells will power a proposed **1 MW pilot geothermal power plant**, serving as India's first demonstration-scale geothermal power project.
Working Principle: The project taps heat stored naturally beneath the Earth to generate reliable renewable electricity **24 hours a day**, unlike weather-dependent solar or wind energy.
Temperature Recorded: Engineers measured a maximum temperature of **135°C at a depth of 400 metres**, and further tests are evaluating higher underground temperatures and commercial potential.
Executing Agency: The **ONGC Energy Centre** is implementing this project in collaboration with the Ladakh Administration and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh.

Location: Puga Valley is located in the south-eastern **Changthang region of Ladakh**, roughly **22 km from the Salt Lake Valley**.
Natural Features: Renowned for its picturesque landscape and geothermal activity, the valley is especially famous for its natural **hot sulphur springs**.

Concept: Geothermal energy represents heat derived from the Earth's interior, which can generate electricity, provide direct heating, and cool buildings.
Renewable Nature: It is considered renewable because Earth's internal heat is continuously replenished through residual heat and the decay of radioactive elements.

Deep Reservoirs: Underground hot water or steam is accessed by drilling deep wells for electricity generation or direct thermal applications.
Near-surface Resources: Hot springs and shallow hydrothermal reservoirs occur mainly in geologically active regions and are easier to tap.
Shallow Ground: Upper ground layers maintain a stable temperature year-round, which geothermal heat pumps can utilize to heat and cool buildings.

National Policy: The **National Policy on Geothermal Energy, 2025** aims to boost the exploration and development of India's untapped geothermal resources.
Nodal Ministry: The **Ministry of New and Renewable Energy** serves as the primary agency responsible for executing this policy.

Global Scenario: Global geothermal power generation capacity reached **15.4 GW by late 2024**, led by the **United States**, followed by Indonesia and the Philippines.
Hot Springs in India: The **Geological Survey of India** has identified **381 hot springs** across the country, with surface temperatures ranging from **35°C to 89°C**.
Recognized Provinces: India officially recognizes **10 geothermal provinces**, including Himalayan, Naga-Lusai, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Son-Narmada-Tapi, West Coast, Cambay Graben, Aravalli, Mahanadi, Godavari, and South Indian Cratonic regions.
Key Identified Sites: Prominent sites include **Puga and Chumathang in Ladakh**, Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh, Tapoban in Uttarakhand, Bakreshwar in West Bengal, **Tuwa in Gujarat**, Tattapani in Chhattisgarh, and Deulajhari in Odisha.
Total Power Potential: India's overall geothermal power potential is estimated at approximately **10,600 MW**.

Why in News: India commissioned its first and deepest geothermal wells at **Puga Valley** in Ladakh to feed the nation's first demonstration-scale geothermal plant.
Location: **Puga Valley** lies in the Changthang region of south-eastern Ladakh, roughly **22 km from Salt Lake Valley**.
Unique Features: These are India's first geothermal wells, drilled to a depth of **1,000 metres** at an elevation over **14,000 feet**.
Proposed Capacity: The wells will supply thermal energy to a proposed **1 MW pilot geothermal power plant**.
Definition: Geothermal energy refers to the heat trapped inside the Earth that can be used for generating electricity and direct heating.