India Unveils National Policy on Geothermal Energy to Foster Clean Energy Transition

The Government of India has introduced the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025) as a pivotal step towards achieving the country's ambitious 2070 Net Zero Goal. This policy aims to unlock India's underutilized geothermal potential for various applications, including electricity generation, space heating and cooling, agriculture, tourism, and desalination. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will spearhead the regulatory and stewardship responsibilities for geothermal energy in India.

Key Takeaways:

• The National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025) seeks to promote research, innovation, and technological advancements in geothermal energy development.
• The policy focuses on exploring, developing, and utilizing geothermal resources in India for various applications, including electricity generation, space heating and cooling, agriculture, tourism, and desalination.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will be responsible for regulatory and stewardship responsibilities for geothermal energy.
• The policy aims to drive real-world impact through the promotion of clean power, district heating, agricultural use, aquaculture, and ground source heat pumps (GSHPs).
• Five pilot projects have been sanctioned to assess the viability and potential of geothermal energy in India.
• The policy encourages partnerships with international geothermal bodies and pioneering nations, as well as collaboration with state governments, oil and gas companies, and research institutions.

Statistics:

• Five pilot projects have been sanctioned to assess the viability and potential of geothermal energy in India.
• The policy aims to promote geothermal energy for various applications, including electricity generation, space heating and cooling, agriculture, tourism, and desalination.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will be responsible for regulatory and stewardship responsibilities for geothermal energy.
• The policy targets integration of geothermal energy with India's Net Zero (2070) and renewable energy objectives.

Sources:

• Press Information Bureau, Government of India
• Contify.com (Copyright 2017)