Uttarakhand is currently a good prospect as a geothermal energy zone following the discovery of up to 62 geothermal locations in the state by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) alongside the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The results have also created new opportunities for the development of clean and renewable energies in the Himalayan area, which has been characterized by active seismic and geological activities.
Surveys in a number of districts indicated that geothermal sites had the potential of generating large underground heat and hot water emissions, according to officials. These were natural thermal sources that comprised natural hot springs, steam vents, and underground heat stores that have potential uses as a source of thermal power generation, heating systems, and even tourism-related plants. The survey was aimed at determining geological structures that are regular in the production of heat that can be used to produce lasting energy.
Uttarakhand is also famous for its natural hot springs located in Badrinath, Suryakund, Rishikund, Yamunotri and Tapovan. Nevertheless, this is the first large-scale scientific assessment to be conducted to list and assess geothermal in a systematic manner. In the exploration, ONGC and GSI went through temperature mapping, geochemical testing and geological profiling to learn more about the depth and stability of underground heat zones. The findings suggest that there are a few places where the temperature and structural stability of the commercial pilot projects are favourable.
Analysts think that with geothermal energy development in Uttarakhand, the state may be able to sustain its growing need for sustainable power. Geothermal energy is also independent of the weather conditions, unlike solar power or wind power and can be generated all year round. This enables it to be particularly appealing to the remote mountainous areas where grid connectivity is problematic, and localized small-scale power plants can be used to provide electricity to villages, tourist spots, or industrial clusters.
The new geothermal sources would be used in various applications besides power generation. It comprises the hot water-based heating systems, horticultural use of greenhouses, industrial drying plants and wellness tourism. Geothermal spas and therapeutic centres would introduce new dimensions in the tourism of Uttarakhand, which already has millions of pilgrims and tourists visiting it annually.
The state government has shown interest in evaluating the commercial feasibility of the discovered sources, and soon it could develop an elaborate roadmap of development with the consultation of ONGC and GSI. Should the pilot projects win, Uttarakhand would be among the pioneering states in India to actively exploit geothermal power on a large scale.
This find is an important move to increase the renewable energy stocks of India and decrease reliance on traditional fossil fuels, as well as enhance sustainable growth in the ecologically delicate Himalayas.
