The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has officially notified the National Policy on Geothermal Energy, marking a significant step towards India’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Geothermal energy—heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface—is a clean, renewable, and carbon-free energy source. Despite its potential, it remains largely untapped in India.
Key Highlights of the Policy:
Pilot Projects: Support for initial geothermal energy projects to test and demonstrate viability.
Research & Innovation: Encourages scientific research, technological advancement, and innovative practices in geothermal development.
Collaboration: Promotes partnerships between government, industry, and academia.
Diverse Applications: Focus on both power generation and direct-use cases such as:
District heating
Agricultural and aquaculture heating
Space cooling and heating using Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs)
The policy provides a comprehensive framework to explore, develop, and utilize geothermal resources, contributing to India’s long-term energy security and decarbonization goals.
