India's National Policy on Geothermal Energy

Summary of the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025)

• Announcement: The Government of India has released the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025).
• Objective: To accelerate the clean energy transition and support India's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Key Features of the Policy:

• Harnessing Geothermal Resources:

  • Targets the exploration, development, and utilization of untapped geothermal energy resources.
  • Focuses on direct-use applications including:
    • District heating
    • Agricultural applications
    • Aquaculture
    • Space heating and cooling via Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs)

• Research and Innovation:

  • Encourages research collaboration and adoption of global best practices in geothermal energy.
  • Supports technological advancements such as:
    • Hybrid geothermal-solar systems
    • Retrofitting of decommissioned oil wells
    • Enhanced/Advanced Geothermal Systems (EGS/AGS)

• Regulatory Framework:

  • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will oversee regulatory and stewardship responsibilities for geothermal projects.

• Integration with National Goals:

  • Aligns geothermal energy development with national objectives of renewable energy expansion and achieving Net Zero by 2070.

• Capacities and Ecosystems:

  • Promotes the establishment of a robust public-private ecosystem for sustainable development in the geothermal sector.
  • Emphasizes knowledge sharing and development of human resources to drive industry growth.

• Pilot Projects:

  • Initially, five pilot projects have been sanctioned to assess the viability and potential of geothermal energy.
  • Focused on resource assessment and technology validation across various locations in India.

• Collaboration:

  • Encourages partnerships with international geothermal organizations, state governments, oil and gas companies, and research institutions.
  • Aims for joint ventures and leveraging existing oil/gas infrastructure for effective geothermal energy deployment.

• Long-term Vision:

  • The policy sets a comprehensive framework for utilizing geothermal energy to contribute toward India's clean power future, potentially transforming the agricultural sector, tourism, and water desalination efforts.

Economic and Environmental Implications:

• Energy Security: Strengthening energy security through diversified renewable sources.
• Sustainable Development: Supporting India’s broader climate and energy targets in line with international commitments.
• Job Creation: Expected increase in employment opportunities through new technology sectors and infrastructure development.

Conclusion:

The National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025) serves as a significant step toward a sustainable and diversified energy future for India, reinforcing its aim to meet clean energy targets while fostering innovation, research, and collaborative efforts within the sector.