India's National Policy on Geothermal Energy

Summary of the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025)

• Objective: The National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025) aims to accelerate India's transition towards clean energy, aligning with the country's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

• Potential Utilization:

  • Geothermal energy can support multiple applications including:
    • Clean power generation.
    • District heating.
    • Agricultural uses (e.g., greenhouses, cold storage).
    • Aquaculture.
    • Space heating/cooling via Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs).

• Key Highlights & Provisions:

  • Research and Development: The policy encourages innovation, inter-ministerial collaborations, and the adoption of global best practices for geothermal energy.
  • Regulatory Framework: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will assume regulatory responsibilities for geothermal energy development.
  • Integration with National Goals: The policy seeks to integrate geothermal initiatives with India's broader Net Zero and renewable energy targets.
  • Diverse Applications: Focuses on using geothermal energy for electricity generation, tourism, and desalination.
  • Technological Innovation: Promotes advanced R&D including:
    • Hybrid geothermal-solar plants.
    • Retrofitting of abandoned oil wells.
    • Enhanced/Advanced Geothermal Systems (EGS/AGS).
  • Local Innovation and Partnerships: Supports local innovation through joint ventures and repurposing existing oil/gas frameworks.
  • International Collaboration: Encourages partnerships with international geothermal organizations and leading countries in geothermal research.
  • Ecosystem Development: Aims to create a public-private ecosystem to enhance long-term geothermal sector growth.
  • Capacity Building: Committed to knowledge sharing and human resource development in the geothermal sector.

• Pilot Projects: As an initial move, five pilot projects sanctioned to assess the viability and potential of geothermal energy across different regions in India.

• Oversight: The MNRE will oversee the implementation, enabling an environment conducive to clean energy development involving private developers, industries, and research institutions.

Conclusion

The National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025) is a pivotal step for India to tap into its geothermal potential, enhancing energy security and contributing to global climate goals. This policy exemplifies a significant shift towards sustainable energy practices, supporting a diversified renewable energy infrastructure essential for the country's future.