India's National Policy on Geothermal Energy

Summary of the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025)

• The Government of India has officially notified the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025), aiming to facilitate a clean energy transition and support India’s commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.

• This policy is integral to enhancing India’s energy security by diversifying renewable energy sources, particularly by harnessing untapped geothermal resources.

• Key Features of the Policy:

  • Framework: Comprehensive guidelines for exploration, development, and utilization of geothermal energy.
  • Research & Collaboration: Encourages research, inter-ministerial cooperation, and global best practices in geothermal energy development.
  • Regulatory Oversight: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will oversee regulatory and stewardship responsibilities for geothermal energy.

• Integration with National Goals:

  • Aligns with India's renewable energy targets and the ambition for Net Zero by 2070.

• Applications of Geothermal Energy:

  • Focuses on versatile applications, including:
    • Electricity Generation
    • District Heating
    • Agricultural Use (e.g., greenhouses, cold storage)
    • Aquaculture
    • Space Heating/Cooling using Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs)

• Technological Innovation:

  • Emphasizes research and development of:
    • Advanced systems like hybrid geothermal-solar plants
    • Retrofitting of abandoned oil wells
    • Development of Enhanced/Advanced Geothermal Systems (EGS/AGS)

• Partnerships & Local Innovation:

  • Promotes joint ventures and partnerships with:
    • International geothermal organizations
    • Leading countries in geothermal technology
    • State governments, oil and gas sectors, and research institutions

• Ecosystem Development:

  • Focus on creating a robust public-private ecosystem for the long-term advancement of the geothermal sector.

• Capacity Building:

  • Encourages knowledge-sharing and human resource development in geothermal energy.

• Pilot Projects:

  • As a primary step in exploring geothermal energy, five pilot projects have been sanctioned to assess the viability and potential across India.

• Monitoring and Support:

  • The MNRE will monitor the progress of projects while fostering an environment that enables participation from developers, industries, and research institutions in India’s transition to clean energy.

This policy represents India's strategic initiative toward sustainable energy development and reflects a commitment to international environmental goals through the effective utilization of geothermal energy resources.