GEOTHERMAL PRODUCTION: GEOGRAPHY ( 07.05.2025 )

GEOTHERMAL PRODUCTION: GEOGRAPHY

NEWS: Northeast region's first geothermal production well drilled in Arunachal Pradesh's Dirang

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

India has successfully drilled its first geothermal production well in Northeast at Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant step toward sustainable, clean energy. Geothermal energy offers 24/7 low-emission power but requires policy support, investment, and innovation to unlock its full potential.

A Major Milestone in Northeast India

  • The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled Northeast India’s first geothermal production well at Dirang, in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • This marks a major step towards clean, sustainable energy in a high-altitude region, opening new frontiers for renewable energy development in Northeast India.

About the Dirang Geothermal Project

  • The Dirang site is a medium-to-high enthalpy geothermal zone, with subsurface temperatures reaching approximately 115°C.
  • It is geologically suited for low-impact, efficient drilling, and potential electricity and heat extraction.
  • Collaborating Institutions:
  • CESHS (India)
  • Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI)
  • Geotropy ehf (Iceland)
  • Guwahati Boring Service (GBS)
  • Supported by:
  • Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India
  • Government of Arunachal Pradesh

What is Geothermal Energy?

  • The term is derived from “geo” (earth) + “thermal” (heat).
  • It refers to heat energy stored beneath the Earth’s surface, harnessed for:
  • Electricity generation
  • Heating and cooling buildings
  • Agricultural processing
  • Geothermal resources may be naturally occurring (hot springs) or accessed through human-engineered drilling.

Key Features of Geothermal Energy

  • 24/7 renewable and sustainable power source.
  • Offers high capacity utilization, unlike intermittent sources like wind and solar.
  • Found in tectonically active regions; India’s potential lies mostly in the Himalayas, western India, and volcanic belts.
  • Globally leading countries: USA, Indonesia, Philippines, Turkey, and New Zealand.

India’s Geothermal Potential

  • The Geological Survey of India (GSI) estimates a geothermal potential of 10 GW.
  • Until now, this potential remained largely untapped due to:
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Lack of policy support
  • High upfront costs
  • The Dirang project could act as a catalyst for future geothermal initiatives.

Applications of Geothermal Energy

  • Direct-use applications:
  • Space heating and cooling in high-altitude, cold regions
  • Drying of fruits, nuts, meat—beneficial for agrarian mountain economies
  • Controlled atmosphere storage for perishables
  • Electricity generation through geothermal power plants
  • Geothermal heat pumps for building temperature regulation

Challenges and Concerns

  • Seismic Risks:
  • Drilling and high-pressure water injection may induce minor earthquakes, especially in seismically active regions.
  • High Investment Costs:
  • Initial drilling and exploration are capital-intensive, requiring large investments before viability is proven.
  • Geographical Limitation:
  • Only regions with tectonic activity or specific geological features offer economically viable potential.
  • Environmental Risks:
  • Risk of land subsidence, conflict over water usage, and release of gases like CO₂ and H₂S if not managed properly.

Suggestions and the Way Forward

1. Policy and Regulatory Framework

  • Develop clear national policy on geothermal energy.
  • Provide incentives and financial support mechanisms (like viability gap funding).
  • Include geothermal in the renewable energy mission framework with dedicated targets.

2. Research and Technological Innovation

  • Invest in drilling technology to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
  • Encourage academic-industry collaboration to address technical challenges.
  • Explore hybrid models combining solar-geothermal systems in cold, sunny regions.

3. Public-Private Partnerships

  • Facilitate PPP models for geothermal exploration and infrastructure development.
  • Attract foreign expertise and funding through strategic partnerships (like with Iceland or Norway).

4. Regional Development and Employment

  • Use geothermal energy to:
  • Promote rural electrification
  • Support local enterprises in high-altitude states like Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
  • Create green jobs in drilling, construction, maintenance, and tourism sectors

5. Integration with Local Ecosystems

  • Ensure community participation in project planning.
  • Focus on low-impact drilling and sustainable water use.
  • Implement site-specific environmental safeguards to prevent ecological damage.

Conclusion

  • The successful drilling of the Dirang geothermal well represents a turning point in India’s clean energy journey.
  • If harnessed properly, geothermal energy can become a key pillar in India’s renewable energy mix.
  • Realizing its full potential will require policy support, scientific innovation, regional cooperation, and sustainable practices.

 

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/northeast-regions-first-geothermal-production-well-drilled-in-arunachal-pradeshs-dirang#:~:text=In%20a%20major%20stride%20for,in%20the%20West%20Kameng%20district.